Bringing home a baby is supposed to feel like pure joy, but what happens when you’re hit with terrifying intrusive thoughts, postpartum rage, or the hypervigilance of a NICU stay? This week, Megan is joined by her personal perinatal counselor, Dr. Chasity Arnold of Touchstone Counseling, to pull back the curtain on what’s actually happening to our minds and bodies after birth.

Dr. Arnold explains why postpartum extends a full year beyond birth, why broken sleep and sensory overload deplete our mental capacity by 4:00 PM, and the truth behind intrusive thoughts—including the shocking reality that 75% of new moms experience them. Plus, Megan opens up about her personal NICU experience and the practical tools that finally quieted her brain's emergency alarms. If you are struggling with anxiety or feeling alone in motherhood, this conversation is the compassionate reminder that you are not crazy—and you are never alone.

Thanks to our sponsor, Ozark Veterinary Clinic!

Bringing home a baby is supposed to feel like pure joy, but what happens when you&rsquo;re hit with terrifying intrusive thoughts, postpartum rage, or the hypervigilance of a NICU stay? This week, Megan is joined by her personal perinatal counselor, Dr. Chasity Arnold of Touchstone Counseling, to pull back the curtain on what&rsquo;s actually happening to our minds and bodies after birth.
Dr. Arnold explains why postpartum extends a full year beyond birth, why broken sleep and sensory overload deplete our mental capacity by 4:00 PM, and the truth behind intrusive thoughts&mdash;including the shocking reality that 75% of new moms experience them. Plus, Megan opens up about her personal NICU experience and the practical tools that finally quieted her brain's emergency alarms. If you are struggling with anxiety or feeling alone in motherhood, this conversation is the compassionate reminder that you are not crazy&mdash;and you are never alone.
Thanks to our sponsor,&nbsp;<a href="https://ozarkveterinaryclinic.com/?__s=xxxxxxx&amp;utm_source=drip&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Win+Tickets+to+Wingapalooza%21+%F0%9F%90%94%F0%9F%8D%97" data-cke-saved-href="https://ozarkveterinaryclinic.com/?__s=xxxxxxx&amp;utm_source=drip&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Win+Tickets+to+Wingapalooza%21+%F0%9F%90%94%F0%9F%8D%97">Ozark Veterinary Clinic</a>!

The Real Deal Conversations with Megan Deal shares real stories and meaningful conversations to encourage, inspire, and equip you for life's challenges—whether it’s mental health, relationships, work, or leadership.

Through personal experiences and insightful discussions, Megan and her guests work to foster empathy, build connections, and remind you that you're not alone.

New episodes drop every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or at aroundtheozarks.com!

The Real Deal Conversations with Megan Deal shares real stories and meaningful conversations to encourage, inspire, and equip you for life's challenges&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s mental health, relationships, work, or leadership.
Through personal experiences and insightful discussions, Megan and her guests work to foster empathy, build connections, and remind you that you're not alone.
New episodes drop every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or at aroundtheozarks.com!

The Real Deal Conversations

The Real Deal Conversations with Megan Deal shares real stories and meaningful conversations to encourage, inspire, and equip you for life's challenges&mdash;whether it&rsquo;s mental health, relationships, work, or leadership.
Through personal experiences and insightful discussions, Megan and her guests work to foster empathy, build connections, and remind you that you're not alone.
New episodes drop every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or at aroundtheozarks.com!