Podcast Summary: Mind If We Talk? Episode: How to Balance Being a Mom and Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Host: BetterHelp (Hosted by Licensed Therapist Hesi Jo)
Release Date: August 14, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "How to Balance Being a Mom and Taking Care of Your Mental Health," BetterHelp delves deep into the challenges faced by mothers in maintaining their mental well-being while navigating the demanding role of parenthood. Hosted by licensed therapist Hesi Jo, the conversation features Kristin Gallant and Dina Margolin, co-founders of Big Little Feelings, a parenting advice platform. The episode offers raw, relatable insights into mental health struggles such as postpartum anxiety, ADHD, and autism, providing practical strategies for mothers seeking balance and support.

Personal Journeys and the Reality of Postpartum Mental Health

Kristin Gallant and Dina Margolin openly share their personal experiences with postpartum mental health challenges, setting the stage for a heartfelt discussion.

• Kristin's Struggle with Postpartum Anxiety:

  • Kristin Gallant reflects on her first two pregnancies, stating, “I had postpartum anxiety with my first two, and I didn't think I was debriefed enough on what that really looked like” (04:55). She describes experiencing intense fear, such as visualizing her baby dying, which led her to seek therapy and eventually undergo EMDR—a breakthrough that significantly improved her mental health.
  • Kristin emphasizes the importance of early intervention: “My only regret was not starting sooner. ... it wasn't negotiable” (10:59).

• Dina's Experience with Postpartum Depression and ADHD:

  • Cameron Oakes Rogers shares her postpartum struggles, highlighting the physical exhaustion and strain on her marriage. She recounts how the imbalance in childcare responsibilities led to years of therapy and growth within her relationship (06:14).
  • Dina adds, “I was completely underwater and really resentful” (06:14), illustrating the profound impact of postpartum challenges on personal relationships.

The Role of Medication in Mental Health Management

The conversation addresses the stigma and hesitations surrounding medication for mental health, particularly for postpartum mothers.

• Kristin on Starting SSRIs:

  • Kristin candidly discusses her decision to start an SSRI, stating, “I should have started sooner” (10:59). She acknowledges common fears such as weight gain and emotional numbness but underscores the necessity of medication in her recovery.
  • She shares, “This medication has been a game changer for me” (16:03), highlighting the positive impact it had on her ability to manage anxiety and engage more fully with her family.

• Dina on Medication and Therapeutic Tools:

  • Dina emphasizes that medication doesn’t eliminate trauma but helps regulate emotions, enabling the use of therapeutic tools effectively: “These meds don't make your trauma disappear, but they allow you to be regulated enough” (17:29).
  • She also discusses the importance of a supportive care team, recommending having a therapist and prescriber in place before entering the postpartum period (44:25).

Navigating Neurodivergence in Motherhood

Dina Margolin shares her journey as a neurodivergent mother diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life, offering valuable insights into how these conditions intersect with parenting.

• Impact of Late Diagnosis:

  • Dina explains how her diagnoses provided clarity and self-awareness: “It's been a game changer for me in so many ways” (18:59). Understanding her neurodivergence helped her embrace her unique challenges instead of feeling inadequate.
  • She describes managing sensory overwhelm: “I simply can't do battery-operated toys” (26:43), illustrating practical adjustments made to create a supportive environment for herself and her children.

• Parenting Strategies for Neurodivergent Moms:

  • Dina highlights the importance of structured routines and recognizing personal triggers: “Having systems in place to know when you're overwhelmed” (38:37).
  • She discusses teaching her children about her ADHD in age-appropriate ways, fostering mutual understanding and empathy: “We're allowed to have feelings” (41:35).

Building Support Systems and Effective Communication

A key theme of the episode is the necessity of robust support systems and open communication between partners.

• Kristin and Dina's Partnership:

  • The duo discusses how their long-term friendship and complementary strengths have been pivotal in their business and personal lives: “We are complete opposite people, actually, and we have always embraced that about each other” (27:05).
  • They emphasize the importance of showing up authentically and respecting each other's unique needs within both their relationship and parenting roles.

• Strategies for Partners:

  • Dina advises partners to take on as many physical tasks as possible postpartum and maintain open dialogues about emotions: “How can we prioritize Joy? Just paying attention to your partner” (57:28).
  • She recommends practical tools like Eve Rodsky's "Fair Play" method to divide mental and physical labor effectively (47:26).

Practical Tips for Mothers

The episode concludes with actionable advice for mothers seeking to balance their mental health and parenting responsibilities.

• Personal Care and Self-Awareness:

  • Dina offers three key actions for overwhelmed mothers:
    1. Remember It's Temporary: “It's all temporary. None of this is permanent” (59:03).
    2. Engage in Enjoyable Activities: Even brief moments for self-care can make a significant difference.
    3. Ask for Help: Dina stresses the importance of not walking the path alone and reaching out to friends, family, or professionals for support (30:29).

• Creating Community Support:

  • Kristin shares her viral text message to a friend as a model for offering support without imposing: “I'm coming to help you” (52:14). This approach allows new mothers to choose the type of support they need without feeling pressured.

Conclusion

"How to Balance Being a Mom and Taking Care of Your Mental Health" serves as a compassionate guide for mothers navigating the intricate balance between parenting and personal well-being. Through heartfelt personal stories, expert insights, and practical advice, Hesi Jo, Kristin Gallant, and Dina Margolin illuminate the path toward a healthier, more balanced motherhood. The episode underscores the importance of self-awareness, support systems, and open communication in fostering both maternal and familial well-being.

Notable Quotes:

• Kristin Gallant (04:55): “I had postpartum anxiety with my first two, and I didn't think I was debriefed enough on what that really looked like.”
• Dina Margolin (38:37): “I simply can't do battery-operated toys.”
• Kristin Gallant (10:59): “My only regret was not starting sooner.”
• Dina Margolin (59:03): “It's all temporary. None of this is permanent.”

For more insights and support on balancing motherhood and mental health, visit BetterHelp.