Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to 1 in 5 new mothers in the U.S. – and it can impact anyone, regardless of age, background, or how many children you’ve had. In this episode, we speak with Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C, licensed clinical psychologist, about how PPD is diagnosed, the signs to look for, and what effective treatment and recovery truly involve. We also explore why open communication and early support are key to healing and reclaiming emotional well-being after birth.

<a href="https://www.webmd.com/depression/postpartum-depression">Postpartum depression (PPD)</a> affects up to 1 in 5 new mothers in the U.S. &ndash; and it can impact anyone, regardless of age, background, or how many children you&rsquo;ve had. In this episode, we speak with <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/megan-spence-alameda-ca/869278">Megan Spence, PsyD, PMH-C</a>, licensed clinical psychologist, about how PPD is diagnosed, the signs to look for, and what effective treatment and recovery truly involve. We also explore why open communication and early support are key to healing and reclaiming emotional well-being after birth.

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.

Health Discovered

Understanding Postpartum Depression: Early Signs and Effective Care

Miscarriage is common, yet many people feel unprepared when it happens. What are the different types of miscarriage, and what does follow-up care look like? We spoke with Lora Shahine, MD, double board-certified in reproductive endocrinology, infertility, and OB-GYN, about what to expect after a miscarriage, available care options, and the emotional aftermath, including the connection to postpartum depression. Dr. Shahine also explains the most common cause of miscarriage – genetic issues in the embryo – and why it is not caused by something a person did. Miscarriage is not your fault, and support matters.

<a href="https://www.webmd.com/baby/pregnancy-miscarriage" data-testid="linkable-text">Miscarriage</a> is common, yet many people feel unprepared when it happens. What are the different types of miscarriage, and what does follow-up care look like? We spoke with <a href="https://drlorashahine.com/about-new" data-testid="linkable-text">Lora Shahine, MD</a>, double board-certified in reproductive endocrinology, infertility, and OB-GYN, about what to expect after a miscarriage, available care options, and the emotional aftermath, including the connection to postpartum depression. Dr. Shahine also explains the most common <a href="https://www.webmd.com/baby/4-common-causes-miscarriage" data-testid="linkable-text">cause of miscarriage</a> &ndash; genetic issues in the embryo &ndash; and why it is not caused by something a person did. Miscarriage is not your fault, and support matters.

Miscarriage: Understanding Causes, Follow-Up Care, and Finding Support

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss and can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other areas of the body, causing patchy, partial, or complete hair loss. What are the different types of alopecia, and how are they diagnosed? We spoke with Carolyn Goh, MD, a dermatologist specializing in hair loss and scalp disorders, about common forms of alopecia, signs of pattern hair loss, what to expect after a diagnosis, available treatment options, and how to find support – because you’re not alone, and help is available.

Additional resources: 
Scarring Alopecia Foundation (SAF)
National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF)

<a href="https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/alopecia-areata">Alopecia</a> is the medical term for hair loss and can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other areas of the body, causing patchy, partial, or complete <a href="https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/understanding-hair-loss-basics">hair loss</a>. What are the different types of alopecia, and how are they diagnosed? We spoke with <a href="https://www.uclahealth.org/providers/carolyn-goh">Carolyn Goh, MD</a>, a dermatologist specializing in hair loss and scalp disorders, about common forms of alopecia, signs of pattern hair loss, what to expect after a diagnosis, available treatment options, and how to find <a href="https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/confidence-alopecia-areata">support</a> &ndash; because you&rsquo;re not alone, and help is available.
Additional resources: <a href="https://scarringalopecia.org/">Scarring Alopecia Foundation (SAF)</a> <a href="https://www.naaf.org/">National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF)</a>

Hair Loss Explained: What to Know About Alopecia and Your Care Options

Have you ever felt pressure to keep the peace and ended up saying “yes” when a big part of you wanted to say “no”? In this episode, we unpack people pleasing – and, at its extreme, fawning – an often misunderstood coping response rooted in survival. We’re joined by Lia Love Avellino, LCSW, director of head and heart at The Well, to explore how boundaries, emotional health, and lived experience intersect. Lia helps us recognize the physical cues that signal self-abandonment – like a tight chest, knotted stomach, or shaky voice – and offers tools to pause, check in with the body, and name what you truly need. Because boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re meeting places that make more honest, authentic connection possible.

Have you ever felt pressure to keep the peace and ended up saying &ldquo;yes&rdquo; when a big part of you wanted to say &ldquo;no&rdquo;? In this episode, we unpack <a href="https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-a-people-pleaser">people pleasing</a> &ndash; and, at its extreme, <a href="https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-does-fight-flight-freeze-fawn-mean">fawning</a> &ndash; an often misunderstood coping response rooted in survival. We&rsquo;re joined by <a href="https://www.lialoveavellino.com/about">Lia Love Avellino, LCSW</a>, director of head and heart at The Well, to explore how boundaries, emotional health, and lived experience intersect. Lia helps us recognize the physical cues that signal self-abandonment &ndash; like a tight chest, knotted stomach, or shaky voice &ndash; and offers tools to pause, check in with the body, and name what you truly need. Because boundaries aren&rsquo;t barriers; they&rsquo;re meeting places that make more honest, authentic connection possible.

Understanding Postpartum Depression: Early Signs and Effective Care

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