Defeat Postpartum Depression | Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum Psychosis, Postpartum OCD — подкаст

When You Don’t Feel God: Faith, Doubt & Intrusive Thoughts Postpartum 01.09.2026 27хв

There was a point in my postpartum experience where I wasn’t just questioning my thoughts.I was questioning everything.I questioned whether I was really a Christian. Whether I had ever actually been saved. Whether Christianity itself was true. Why God was allowing me to suffer. Why He wasn’t healing me. Why I could open my Bible and feel absolutely nothing.Today we’re talking about Step 5 of The Unafraid Method: ANCHOR.In this episode, I’m sharing one of the deepest parts of my own story and what it looked like when postpartum anxiety and intrusive thoughts started affecting my faith too.We talk about:Religious intrusive thoughts and the fear of committing the unforgivable sinQuestioning whether I was ever really savedWatching The Case for Christ because I was questioning what I believedWondering why God would allow me to suffer instead of healing meReading the Bible and feeling nothingUsing feelings as proof of whether God was closeThe moment I looked in the mirror and said, “God, if You’re real, I need You to do something.”The difference between faith and certaintyHow prayer and Scripture can sometimes become part of certainty-seekingWhat it means to stay anchored when you don’t understand what God is doingWhy being anchored doesn’t mean never questioning, doubting, or feeling afraidOne of the biggest things I had to learn was this:God’s presence is not dependent on my ability to feel it.Being anchored didn’t mean I always felt sure.Sometimes it simply meant continuing to reach for God when I didn’t feel sure at all.Peace After Postpartum officially launches October 5th. If you want to hear more when we open, text PEACE to 404-692-3754.Next up in The Unafraid Method: RECLAIM.

You Need People Who Get It: The Kind of Support That Actually Helps When You’re Spiraling 31.08.2026 25хв

One of the hardest parts of postpartum intrusive thoughts is how isolating they can feel.You may have people who love you deeply and still feel like no one fully understands what it’s like to be scared of your own mind.Today we’re talking about Step 4 of The Unafraid Method: CONNECT.In this episode, I’m sharing why community was such an important part of my own story, why being understood can feel so different from simply being loved, and how the people around you can support you without accidentally becoming part of the reassurance cycle.We talk about:Why shame and intrusive thoughts can feel so isolatingThe difference between people who love you and people who truly understand the experienceWhy hearing “me too” can be so powerfulHow community can help you notice progress you may miss on your ownThe difference between support and reassuranceWhat helpful support from a spouse, friend, or family member can actually sound likeHow to communicate what you need when you’re spiralingWhy reassurance can bring temporary relief but keep you coming back for more certaintyWhere professional support fits into a larger support systemA simple way to identify the gaps in your own support circleConnection isn’t about finding people who will prove every fear wrong.It’s about having people who can be present, understand what you’re walking through, and help you stay connected to your life when fear gets loud.I also share why community is such a big part of Peace After Postpartum, my 90-day group program + community for moms navigating intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and OCD postpartum.If you want more information, text PEACE to 404-692-3754. 🤍Next up in The Unafraid Method: ANCHOR.

How to Respond When a Scary Intrusive Thought Shows Up 29.08.2026 23хв

You know you’re spiraling. You know Googling, checking, analyzing, and asking for reassurance aren’t giving you lasting relief.But then comes the question:What am I actually supposed to do when the intrusive thought shows up?Today we’re moving into Step 3 of The Unafraid Method: RESPOND.In this episode, I’m walking through a simple framework you can use to start creating space between the scary thought and what you do next:Notice → Name → Don’t Solve → ReturnWe talk about:Why trying to get rid of the thought can keep you stuckHow to notice the thought without immediately entering the debateNaming the pattern instead of analyzing the contentWhy “this one is different” is such a powerful trapLetting a question exist without needing to solve itReturning to your actual life even when anxiety is still presentHow reassurance, prayer, Scripture, and “good thoughts” can sometimes become part of the certainty-seeking cycleThe difference between trust and certaintyWhy progress does not mean responding perfectly every single timeA simple exercise to practice responding differently in one real-life situationThe goal is not to make every intrusive thought disappear.It’s to stop treating every scary thought like a question that has to be answered before you’re allowed to keep living.I also share more about Peace After Postpartum, my 90-day group program + community for moms navigating intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and OCD.If you want the founding member details, text PEACE to 404-692-3754 by August 31st. 🤍Next up in The Unafraid Method: CONNECT.

The Things You’re Doing to Feel Safe That May Be Keeping You Stuck in the Intrusive Thought Spiral 27.08.2026 25хв

You have the scary thought.Then comes the Googling. The checking. The analyzing. The reassurance. The avoiding. The replaying.And for a little while, you might actually feel better.So why does the fear keep coming back?Today we’re diving into Step 2 of The Unafraid Method: RECOGNIZE.In this episode, we’re talking about the things you may be doing after an intrusive thought because they make you feel safer in the moment, but can become part of the cycle that keeps pulling you back into fear.We’ll talk about:Why reassurance can feel so good but never seem to lastThe difference between useful research and Googling for certaintyChecking your feelings, reactions, body sensations, and memoriesAvoidance and how fear can slowly start making your decisionsSneaky mental patterns like reviewing, analyzing, testing, and trying to prove a thought wrongHow prayer can sometimes become part of certainty-seeking without us realizing itHow to start recognizing your own patterns without judging yourselfA simple exercise to identify what you reach for when fear shows upI also answer a question I’ve been getting about how far postpartum you can be and still join Peace After Postpartum. If these struggles began during your postpartum season and you’re still actively navigating them, I don’t want you to automatically assume you’re “too far postpartum” for this to be relevant.Peace After Postpartum is my 90-day group program + community for moms navigating intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and OCD.If you want the founding member details, text PEACE to 404-692-3754 by August 31st. 🤍Next up: RESPOND — what do you actually do when the scary thought shows up?

What’s Actually Happening When a Scary Intrusive Thought Sends You Spiraling — and Why You Can’t Stop Analyzing It 26.08.2026 25хв

If you’ve ever had a scary intrusive thought postpartum and immediately found yourself analyzing it, checking how you feel, Googling, asking for reassurance, or wondering what it means about you, this episode is for you.Today we’re diving into the first step of The Unafraid Method: UNDERSTAND.I’m breaking down what’s actually happening when a scary intrusive thought shows up, your brain assigns meaning to it, anxiety spikes, and suddenly you feel like you have to figure it out right now.In this episode, we talk about:Why intrusive thoughts can feel like evidence about who you areThe cycle of intrusion → meaning/alarm → distress → response → temporary reliefWhy Googling, checking, reassurance, avoidance, and mental reviewing can keep the spiral goingWhy anxiety, sensations, and emotional reactions can become part of what you start analyzingWhy thoughts that hit your deepest values can feel especially powerfulThe constant need for certainty underneath so many OCD-type fearsWhy “What if this time is different?” can keep restarting the cycleA simple way to map one recent spiral without trying to solve the thoughtThe goal isn’t to never have another intrusive thought.It’s to move from:“What is wrong with me?”to:“I recognize what’s happening here.”I also share an update on Peace After Postpartum, my new 90-day group program + community for postpartum moms navigating intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and OCD.If you want details about becoming a founding member, text PEACE to 404-692-3754 by August 31st. 🤍Tomorrow we’re moving into Step 2 of The Unafraid Method: RECOGNIZE, where we’ll talk about the things you may be doing to feel safe that could actually be keeping you stuck in the spiral.

The 7-Step Process I Wish I Had When I Was Terrified of My Own Thoughts Postpartum 26.08.2026 31хв

If you’ve ever had a scary thought postpartum and immediately wondered, “What does this mean about me?” this episode is for you.In this episode, I’m sharing the 7-step process I wish I had when I was in the thick of intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and OCD.We’ll talk about:Why the thought itself isn’t always what keeps the spiral goingHow Googling, checking, analyzing, reassurance, and avoidance can keep fear aliveThe difference between understanding what’s happening and actually knowing how to respondWhy support and community matter so much when this feels isolatingHow faith in Jesus fits into the process without becoming another place to chase certaintyWhy “getting better” does not have to mean never having another scary thoughtThe full Unafraid Method: Understand → Recognize → Respond → Connect → Anchor → Reclaim → SustainI also share why, after years of coaching women 1:1, I’m creating something new for postpartum moms navigating intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and OCD.Peace After Postpartum is a 90-day group program + community built around The Unafraid Method, with weekly coaching, practical support, and faith woven throughout.If you’re listening before August 31st and want details about becoming one of the founding members, text PEACE to 404-692-3754.And come back tomorrow because I’m breaking down Step 1 of The Unafraid Method: UNDERSTAND.

109: To Take Medication or Not To Take Medication? 25.09.2025 16хв

The decision to take meds or not to take meds is one that can cause a ton of turmoil for many of us. In this episode, I talk through the decision making process by sharing my own story and how I came to the decision of taking medication, my thoughts about medication, my hesitations, and my experience with medication.I initially thought meds would be the magic pill to solve all my problems…spoiler alert, it wasn’t.Feeling stuck and not sure what to do next, schedule a free 1:1 coaching call to help you move forward: ariellewozniak.com/breakthroughMaking a decision about medication, get the free guide: https://ariellewozniak.com/medication-guide-form As always, feel free to text me if you ever want to connect: 404-692-3754Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.

108: Trials That Bring Us to Our Knees (and Why That’s a Good Thing) 20.08.2025 13хв

In today’s episode, I share the surprising lesson I learned from a story in Scripture about a leader whose life was extended by God, but whose comfort led to pride and downfall. You’ll see why trials can actually be the very thing that brings us closer to the Lord, and how falling to your knees in hard seasons might be the greatest gift you’ll ever receive.Feeling stuck and not sure what to do next, schedule a free 1:1 coaching call to help you move forward: ariellewozniak.com/breakthroughAs always, feel free to text me if you ever want to connect: 404-692-3754Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.

107: When Anxiety and Depression Keep You From Truly Living 07.07.2025 24хв

In today's episode, I discuss the simple shift that allowed me to stop anxiety and depression from ruling my life! Starting today you too can live a life that isn't dictated by how you feel.Feeling stuck and not sure what to do next, schedule a free 1:1 coaching call to help you move forward: ariellewozniak.com/breakthroughAs always, feel free to text me if you ever want to connect: 404-692-3754Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.

106: The Top Three Barriers To Overcoming Postpartum Depression 26.06.2025 32хв

Today's episode is about the top three barriers myself and my clients have experienced in our journeys to overcome postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD. These three things can keep you stuck and confused about how to move forward, but it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, I'll share tips to overcome each of the three barriers and finally start moving forward!Feeling stuck and not sure what to do next, schedule a free 1:1 coaching call to help you move forward: ariellewozniak.com/breakthroughAs always, feel free to text me if you ever want to connect: 404-692-3754Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.

105: Is Something Keeping You From Healing? 25.06.2025 26хв

If you're a "type A" person who likes to be in control, chances are postpartum depression has been extremely tough because it's a situation you simply cannot control.Let's talk about in today's episode - perhaps there's an action step you need to take today to start healing!Feeling stuck and not sure what to do next, schedule a free 1:1 coaching call to help you move forward: ariellewozniak.com/breakthroughAs always, feel free to text me if you ever want to connect: 404-692-3754Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.

104: When Postpartum Depression Is Lasting Longer Than It Should 25.06.2025 34хв

Friend, if you're anything like me, you want this experience to have ended yesterday. You don't want to sit in this any longer. But, what if there's something more to learn or perhaps something more happening through this experience. In today's episode, I walk you through a familiar biblical story and apply it to the battle with postpartum depression.Feeling stuck and need help moving forward? Schedule your free call: ariellewozniak.com/breakthroughText me if you ever want to chat: 404-692-3754Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not substitute for professional medical advice.

103: When You Feel Disconnected from Yourself and Reality: What's Really Happening in Postpartum 16.05.2025 32хв

Have you ever felt like you were floating outside your body... or like the world around you wasn’t real? Those strange, scary sensations are known as depersonalization and derealization, and they’re more common in postpartum anxiety and OCD than you might think.In today’s episode, I’m walking you through what these symptoms are, why they happen, and what to do when they hit you hard. The answer probably isn’t what you’d expect, but it is what actually works.Inside this episode, you’ll hear:What depersonalization and derealization feel like in real lifeHow these sensations connect to postpartum anxiety and OCDWhy trying to "snap out of it" only fuels the fearWhat to do instead when you feel detached from yourself or your surroundingsWhy this experience doesn’t mean you’re broken and why there’s real hope for healingIf you’ve been silently struggling with feeling “off,” disconnected, or unsure if you’re losing your grip, this episode is for you. You’re not alone. And there’s a path forward.Take Action:If you’re stuck in postpartum anxiety or OCD and want Christ-centered support, schedule a free 30-minute Breakthrough Call to get clarity and a step-by-step plan at https://l.bttr.to/JhHzwStill have questions or need a word of encouragement? Text me directly at 404-692-3754. I’d love to hear from you.Disclaimer:This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.

102: Postpartum Psychosis and Depression: Why Intrusive Thoughts Don’t Mean You’re Crazy 28.04.2025 27хв

If you’ve ever had a scary thought pop into your mind after, you’re not alone ... and it doesn’t mean you’re losing your mind. In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into postpartum psychosis fears and the very real struggle of intrusive thoughts after birth.I’m breaking down the difference between postpartum psychosis (which is rare and involves hallucinations and delusions) and the unwanted, anxiety-driven thoughts that so many moms experience in silence. We’ll also talk about harm OCD, POCD, and the compulsions that keep you stuck in the cycle of fear.Inside this episode, you’ll hear:What postpartum psychosis symptoms actually are — and why intrusive thoughts are not the same thingWhy experiencing intrusive thoughts doesn’t mean you’ll act on themThe difference between harm OCD, POCD, and true psychosisHow compulsions reinforce fear (and how to start breaking free)How to take small action steps toward healing from postpartum anxiety and OCDWhy your thoughts don’t define you and why there’s so much hopeIf you're stuck in fear after having a baby and wondering if you’re "crazy," this conversation is for you. There’s hope. You’re not alone. And there’s a way forward.Take Action:If you’re struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, or OCD and want Christ-centered support, apply to join the Postpartum Peace community at ariellewozniak.com.Still have questions or just need a little encouragement? You can text me directly — whether you’re curious about coaching or simply need someone who gets it. I’d love to hear from you: 📲 404-692-3754Disclaimer:This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.

101: Postpartum Depression Medication: What I Wish Someone Told Me 18.04.2025 31хв

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Am I really so bad off that I need medication? What if I start and it makes me worse? What if I become dependent or feel numb — or what if it means I don’t trust God enough?”If you've wrestled with those thoughts, you’re not the only one. In this episode, I walk you through my personal journey with postpartum depression medication — the fears, the guilt, and the spiritual wrestling that came with it. Maybe you’re considering meds but feel anxious about side effects, long-term use, or what it means for your faith. I’ve been there. I’ll share the common fears Christian moms face, the truth that brought me peace, and a simple way to make a values-based decision rooted in faith instead of fear. Let’s talk honestly about postpartum depression, medication, and how to move forward with peace.Take Action: If you’re struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, or OCD and want Christ-centered support, apply to join the Postpartum Peace community at ariellewozniak.com.Still have questions or just need a little encouragement? You can text me directly — whether you’re curious about coaching or simply need someone who gets it. I’d love to hear from you: 📲 404-692-3754Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.

100. Motherhood Isn’t What I Thought It Would Be—When Life Looks Different Than You Planned 14.03.2025 37хв

Have you ever looked at your life and thought, "This isn’t how I planned it"? You’re not alone.In this episode, I walk you through my own journey of learning to embrace the season I’m in—even when it looks nothing like I expected. Maybe you thought motherhood would be joyful, but instead, you're facing postpartum depression or anxiety. Maybe you feel like this season is punishment, but what if God is using it as preparation? I’ll share how He’s reshaping my perspective, the powerful lessons from One Thousand Gifts, and how even the wilderness seasons are filled with His provision. Let’s talk about how to embrace where we are—even when we don’t understand why.Take Action: Struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, or OCD and need support? We’re here to help! You can now text Arielle directly with your questions, learn more about coaching, or just get encouragement. Reach out today! 📲 404-692-3754Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.

99: Stop Speaking Defeat: How to Align Your Words with God’s Promises 14.02.2025 27хв

Have you ever caught yourself speaking defeat over your own life? What if the words you declare are shaping your reality more than you realize?Our words have power—what we repeatedly say shapes our mindset, emotions, and even our faith. In this episode, we dive into Proverbs 18:21, the impact of speaking fear over our lives, and how to shift our words to align with God's truth. I’ll also share my personal experience with intrusive thoughts and how declaring, “I don’t sleep well,” fueled my anxiety. Let’s learn together how to speak life instead of death over our situations.Take Action: Struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, or OCD and need support? We’re here to help! You can now text Arielle directly with your questions, learn more about coaching, or just get encouragement. Reach out today! 📲 404-692-3754Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.

98: Stuck in the Darkness: Why This Won't Last Forever 10.02.2025 46хв

Ever felt like you’re trapped in a season of darkness that will never end? You’re not alone.Postpartum depression and anxiety can make it feel like you’ll never see the light again. In this episode, we explore why those feelings of forever aren’t true, how to recognize the seasons of life God leads us through, and practical ways to hold onto hope—even in the hardest moments.Take Action: Struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, or OCD and need support? We’re here to help! You can now text Arielle directly with your questions, learn more about coaching, or just get encouragement. Reach out today! 📲 404-692-3754Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.

97: From Confusion to Clarity: Intrusive Thoughts or Your Own? How to Tell the Difference 31.01.2025 22хв

Ever had a thought so disturbing that you wondered, What does this say about me? Am I going crazy? You're not alone. Intrusive thoughts can be confusing, distressing, and make you question who you really are. In this episode, we break down the difference between intrusive thoughts and your own true thoughts, why they show up, and how to stop them from taking over your peace.Take Action: Struggling with intrusive thoughts and need support? We’re here to help! You can now text Arielle directly with your questions, learn more about coaching, or just get encouragement. Reach out today! 📲 404-692-3754Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.

96: Beyond the Worry: Postpartum OCD and Anxiety 02.08.2024 29хв

Feeling like you constantly need to check on your baby? Having scary thoughts that make you anxious? You are not alone. In this episode, we explore postpartum OCD and anxiety, shedding light on these common yet misunderstood struggles for new moms.Join Arielle as she shares her personal experience with postpartum OCD and anxiety. This episode is for any new mom who feels overwhelmed, anxious, or has intrusive thoughts about herself or her baby. It's time to break the silence and find support.Take Action: Visit ariellewozniak.com and schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific needs. Share this episode with a friend who might be struggling. Leave a review and let us know what you thought!Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.