25. When Anxiety Becomes Part of Your Identity (whether you wanted it to or not)

29. Ask Susannah: What Do Intrusive Thoughts MEAN About ME?

Episode Summary In this first Ask Susannah episode, Susannah explores one of the most common and distressing questions moms ask when struggling with intrusive, anxious, or unwanted thoughts in postpartum and early motherhood: What do these thoughts mean about me? This episode breaks down why intrusive thoughts feel so charged, why they do not reflect your true desires or character, and how fear, nervous system activation, and psychological stress fuel the anxiety loop. Susannah explains how postpartum and matrescence create the perfect storm for fear-based thinking, why your mind targets what matters most to you, and how assigning meaning to thoughts is often what keeps you stuck. You’ll walk away with a more compassionate and accurate understanding of your mind—and the beginning of a new way to relate to fear thoughts so you can reclaim your presence, peace, and trust in yourself. In This Episode, We Cover: * Why intrusive thoughts feel meaningful—but aren’t inherently so * The difference between thought content and nervous system activation * How postpartum stress and major identity shifts intensify fear thoughts * Why your mind targets your deepest values * The cycle of fear, rumination, and reinforcement * How assigning meaning to thoughts increases anxiety * Why intrusive, anxious, and unwanted thoughts are all fear-based * How to begin changing your relationship with thoughts instead of trying to solve them Resources Mentioned: * Free Guide: Intrusive Thoughts in Postpartum & Early Motherhood * Website: susannahlongcoaching.com * Instagram: @postpartumwithsusannah * Submit your questions for future Ask Susannah episodes via email (in show notes) Download my FREE guide to understanding anxiety and intrusive thoughts in early motherhood ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.susannahlongcoaching.com/].⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want more support on your journey? Check out more offerings and apply to work with me 1:1 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠susannahlongcoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://susannahlongcoaching.com/] Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to susannah@susannahlongcoaching.com and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode. DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship. postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts postpartum, unwanted thoughts motherhood, maternal mental health, postpartum OCD, early motherhood anxiety, fear thoughts, matrescence, postpartum mental wellness, intrusive thoughts meaning, postpartum nervous system, motherhood and anxiety, postpartum coach, maternal stress, reclaiming motherhood from fear

28. Is It Depression, Anxiety...or Depletion? A Deeper Look at How Nutrition Affects Mental Health in Motherhood with Brittany Jones, MS, RD, LD

When a mother feels anxious, foggy, or not like herself postpartum, the conversation often centers around mental health — stress, sleep, hormones, or diagnosis. But what if there’s another layer that often gets overlooked? In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian Brittany Jones to explore postpartum depletion — and how nutrient deficiencies can sometimes mimic or amplify what feel like symptoms of anxiety or depression. This isn’t about replacing mental health care with nutrition. It’s about expanding the lens and understanding how the body and mind are deeply connected in early motherhood. We talk about what depletion actually means, why so many women are told everything is “normal” when it doesn’t feel that way, and how diet culture and the pressure to “bounce back” can contribute to under-fueling, low energy, and emotional overwhelm. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. In Part 2, we’ll break down specific nutrients and how they support mental and emotional well-being. In this episode: * What “postpartum depletion” actually means * How deficiencies can feel like anxiety or depression * Why it’s not just psychological — and not just physical either * The impact of diet culture and under-fueling in early motherhood * A more integrated way to understand postpartum mental health   Brittany Jones, MS, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian with 15 years of experience, business owner, and mom who helps women and families simplify nutrition in real life. Through her weight-inclusive, non-diet approach, she supports clients in building sustainable habits that work for their busy lives—without guilt or overwhelm. As a mom herself, Brittany understands the challenges of feeding a family while also taking care of your own health. Resources mentioned: * Brittany Jones: brittanyjonesrd.com * Instagram: @brittanyjonesnutrition * Work with Susannah: susannahlongcoaching.com * Free guide: Intrusive Thoughts in Early Motherhood (free mini course coming soon) If this resonated, be sure to check back for Part 2 — where we’ll get more practical and break down key nutrients. Download my FREE guide to understanding anxiety and intrusive thoughts in early motherhood ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [susannahlongcoaching.com/freeguide].⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want more support on your journey? Check out more offerings and apply to work with me 1:1 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠susannahlongcoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://susannahlongcoaching.com/] Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to susannah@susannahlongcoaching.com and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode. DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ postpartum depletion, postnatal depletion cure, postpartum mental health, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, maternal mental health, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, PMADs, intrusive thoughts postpartum, brain fog postpartum, emotional overwhelm motherhood, nutrient deficiencies, nutrition and mental health, postpartum nutrition, iron deficiency postpartum, B12 deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, magnesium deficiency, omega 3 and mood, zinc deficiency, protein intake postpartum, blood sugar regulation, diet culture postpartum, bounce back culture, under eating and anxiety, maternal depletion, hormonal changes postpartum, sleep deprivation motherhood, nervous system regulation, matrescence, early motherhood support, holistic mental health, mind body connection, women’s health postpartum

27. Plausibility vs. Probability: Postpartum Anxiety Recovery

When you are experiencing anxiety, your mind has a way of making everything feel important. In this episode, we’re looking at the difference between something being possible and something being likely—and how anxiety tends to treat those two things as the same. When your mind believes that anything that could happen is something you need to figure out or prevent, it can pull you into cycles of overthinking, checking, and trying to get certainty. This episode will help you step out of that loop and begin to come back to what’s actually real, instead of what your mind is imagining. In This Episode: * Why anxiety confuses possibility with likelihood * How the search for certainty keeps you stuck * Why not every thought needs your attention * How to gently return to the present moment Download my FREE guide to understanding anxiety and intrusive thoughts in early motherhood ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠ [susannahlongcoaching.com/freeguide].⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want more support on your journey? Check out more offerings and apply to work with me 1:1 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠susannahlongcoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://susannahlongcoaching.com/] Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to susannah@susannahlongcoaching.com and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode. DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts postpartum, new mom anxiety, motherhood anxiety, perinatal anxiety, postpartum mental health, anxiety in motherhood, intrusive thoughts meaning, why do I have scary thoughts about my baby, anxiety and what if thoughts, overthinking and anxiety, rumination anxiety, reassurance seeking anxiety, how to stop overthinking, how to stop intrusive thoughts, cognitive distortions anxiety, plausible vs probable anxiety, probability vs possibility anxiety, uncertainty anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, anxiety coping tools, mindfulness for anxiety, present moment awareness anxiety, nervous system regulation motherhood, matrescence and mental health, fear based thinking, how to trust yourself again, anxiety recovery for moms, postpartum OCD thoughts, unwanted thoughts anxiety, mental habits anxiety, breaking anxiety loops

26. Leona Changed Her Life: How Loss Led to Purpose and Deeper Healing with Perrin White, MSP, CCC-SLP, COM, RYT-200

This conversation is about so much more than breath and breathing. In this episode, I sit down with Perrin White — speech-language pathologist, orofacial myologist, yoga teacher, and breath coach — to explore the deeply personal journey that led her into the work she does today. What unfolds is a conversation about motherhood, grief, and what can happen when we stop trying to escape pain and begin to gently turn toward it instead. Perrin shares the story of her daughter, Leona, and how the experience of losing her became a turning point — one that invited her to question everything, reconnect with her body, and ultimately discover a path toward deeper healing. We talk about what it looks like to live with loss, to stay open when everything in you wants to shut down, and how even the most painful experiences can shape the way we care for ourselves and others. This is a conversation about grief, loss, and motherhood — including the loss of a child — and what can grow and transform as a result of that kind of deep pain. In This Episode, We Talk About: * How Perrin’s personal experiences shaped the work she does today * The connection between breath, the body, and the nervous system * What it means to “lean into” pain rather than avoid it * The role of rituals, symbolism, and self-connection in healing after loss * Learning to listen to your body as a source of guidance * Motherhood after loss and maintaining a continued connection with a child * Why healing doesn’t follow a timeline — and doesn’t need to Contact Perrin: https://www.breathewellbewell.info/ [https://www.breathewellbewell.info/] Follow Perrin on Instagram @breathewellbewell Perrin offers both virtual and in-person work focused on functional breathing, airway health, and nervous system regulation. You can book a discovery call through her website to learn more. Final Note If you are moving through grief or loss in your own motherhood journey, I want you to know that you are not alone. There is no timeline for healing. There is nothing you need to rush or force. And even here — in the places that feel the hardest — something meaningful can still unfold. Download my FREE guide to understanding anxiety and intrusive thoughts in early motherhood ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠ [https://susannahlongcoaching.com/].⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want more support on your journey? Check out more offerings and apply to work with me 1:1 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠susannahlongcoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://susannahlongcoaching.com/] Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to susannah@susannahlongcoaching.com and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode. DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- postpartum mental health, maternal mental health, postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, motherhood transformation, matrescence, grief and loss, child loss, miscarriage, stillbirth, pregnancy loss, infant loss, baby loss, perinatal loss, healing after loss, emotional healing, coping with grief, grief support for mothers, loss in motherhood, nervous system regulation, breathwork, functional breathing, somatic healing, mind body connection, self trust, listening to your body, resilience, personal growth, meaning making, rituals for healing, mindfulness, embodiment, mental health support for moms

25. When Anxiety Becomes Part of Your Identity (whether you wanted it to or not)

What if anxious thoughts don’t mean you have a disorder? In this episode, we challenge the way anxiety and intrusive thoughts are commonly understood in early motherhood, and explore how identifying with labels can create more limitation than freedom. I share a different perspective—one that can fundamentally change your relationship with your mind. In this episode, we cover: * Why intrusive thoughts and anxious feelings don’t automatically indicate a disorder * How labels can initially reduce fear—but later become an identity * The difference between the presence of thoughts and your relationship to them * Why lasting change requires a shift in how you understand your mind * A different way to view depression and emotional overwhelm * The role of systemic pressures on mothers—and how they shape our experiences * How changing your perspective can create more freedom and less fear Resources mentioned: * Download my free guide to anxiety and intrusive thoughts in postpartum and early motherhood at susannahlongcoaching.com * Learn more about my 1:1 coaching program, Motherhood Beyond Fear, through the link in the show notes If this episode was helpful, please share it with another mom and consider leaving a review—it truly helps this work reach more women Download my FREE guide to understanding anxiety and intrusive thoughts in early motherhood ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠ [https://susannahlongcoaching.com/].⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want more support on your journey? Check out more offerings and apply to work with me 1:1 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠susannahlongcoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://susannahlongcoaching.com/] Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to susannah@susannahlongcoaching.com and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode. DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, postpartum OCD, early motherhood, maternal mental health, anxiety in motherhood, identity and mental health labels, anxiety disorder vs normal experience, relationship to thoughts, understanding intrusive thoughts, fear of thoughts, consciousness and the mind, emotional overwhelm, postpartum depression, paradigm shift in mental health, beliefs and emotional pain, maternal support systems, mental health in motherhood, normalizing intrusive thoughts, reclaiming life from anxiety