322: From Business Owner to Survivor: Overcoming Postpartum Depression with Emma Hopkins

I’m joined today by Emma Hopkins, a mom and business owner in the UK. At age 39, Emma became a first-time mother and experienced postpartum depression to the point that her entire life, identity, and livelihood changed. She walks us through the tough decision to give up the business that was her heart and soul to prioritize her basic survival. She finally found healing, reconnected with herself, embraced her new role as a mother, and built a new business based on her experience and education. Today she coaches other women who feel a lost sense of identity by helping them rediscover themselves, and she works as a champion advocate with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance in the UK. 

Show Highlights:

• Emma’s story of business ownership in the health and wellness space in Spain and the UK until motherhood at age 39 changed everything
• Emma’s rude introduction to motherhood, which included severe sleeplessness, complete burnout, and full-blown postpartum depression
• How she was forced to sell her beloved business–and lose her sense of identity in the process
• What Emma wishes she had done differently
• How the UK’s “health visitors” system left Emma feeling judged, tested, and failing
• How Emma grieved for the person she was and the success and identity she lost
• How she finally realized and admitted that she had postpartum depression
• How the COVID-19 lockdown actually helped Emma connect and communicate with people again and gave her what she was missing
• How Emma’s supportive husband and her daily walks helped her immensely
• Why Emma began working with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance in the UK and has become a passionate champion to build awareness around maternal mental health

Resources:

Connect with Emma Hopkins: Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Maternal Mental Health Alliance (for UK listeners)

Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support! 

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.  

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

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