Mental Illness Before and After Pregnancy with Dr. Kara Zivin, Who Has Been There
Summary
John Moe interviews Dr. Kara Zivin, a psychiatry professor and author of *Persevered*, about her severe perinatal depression and suicide attempt. Zivin details her journey through failed outpatient care, involuntary hospitalization, and electroconvulsive therapy, which ultimately saved her life but erased key memories. The discussion highlights the systemic gaps in U.S. maternal mental health care, the stigma surrounding postpartum illness, and the critical importance of distinguishing common depression from rare psychosis.
Topics discussed
Intro: The Lindsay Clancy case and the need for nuance
Introduction of guest Kara Ziven and her book 'Persevered'
Kara's background, pregnancy context, and early insomnia
Struggles with medication, care coordination, and worsening symptoms
The depth of despair, isolation, and the tension with her husband
Fear of involuntary hospitalization and the suicide attempt
Birth of her son and immediate separation for psychiatric care
The psychiatric hospitalization experience and identity loss
Diagnoses, the ambiguity of postpartum depression, and discharge
Decision to undergo ECT and the impact on memory
Reflections on ECT effectiveness, trade-offs, and recovery
Flaws in the US maternal mental health care system
Media coverage of rare cases vs. common perinatal mental health
The 'candy wrapper' metaphor and feeling discarded post-birth
Current relationship with her son and closing remarks
Outro: Promoting other shows and supporting Maximum Fun
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