Understanding Maternal Mental Health: Emily Guarnotta’s Story of Healing and Advocacy

Chelsea Myers
Jun 17
2 min read

How One Psychologist's Personal Struggle Sparked a Mission to End the Stigma Around Postpartum Depression.

From Psychologist to Mother—and Back Again

When Emily Guarnotta became a mother, even her background as a psychologist couldn’t prepare her for the emotional storm that followed.

She experienced postpartum depression—a reality many new moms face in silence. What made it harder? The shame of not being okay despite her training.

“I really didn’t know who I was.”

Her experience shines a light on a hidden truth: maternal mental health challenges can affect anyone, even professionals.

A woman in a white shirt lies curled up on a bed with white sheets, conveying a sense of exhaustion. Brown headboard and a phone nearby. — A mental health professional struggles silently with postpartum depression, feeling overwhelmed and isolated despite their expertise.

Why We Need to Talk About Maternal Mental Health

Emily’s story is a call to action to normalize conversations around postpartum struggles. Too often, moms suffer quietly, believing they “should” be happy.

But Emily wants you to know:

There is no shame in asking for help.

Therapy can be life-changing. So can simply being honest—with yourself and others.

Support Systems Save Lives

Motherhood isn’t meant to be done alone. Emily emphasizes the power of support systems—from partners to friends to professionals. Building your village, she says, can lighten the emotional and mental load of new parenthood.

Whether you’re texting a friend or seeing a therapist, connection heals.

Three women, seen from behind, raise their arms joyfully in front of a white and blue striped brick wall. One pair holds hands. — United in strength: The transformative impact of support systems in the postpartum period.

Fixing the System: A Call for Better Perinatal Care

Emily’s professional insight adds depth to her personal story: The healthcare system needs better training in perinatal mental health.

From OBs to pediatricians, providers must learn to spot signs of distress and guide parents toward help.

It’s not just about better care—it’s about building a culture that raises emotionally healthy children by supporting emotionally healthy parents.

Healing Through Honesty and Compassion

Emily didn’t stay stuck. Through therapy and support, she found her way back to herself, and now uses her story to empower others.

Her message? You’re not broken. You’re becoming.

Healing is possible when we choose self-compassion, connection, and honesty over silence.

A hand with black nail polish gently cradles a baby's feet on a soft, gray textured blanket, conveying warmth and tenderness. — Gentle moments of self-discovery as a mother.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Motherhood is intense, messy, and beautiful—and sometimes, really hard.

Emily’s story reminds us that mental health struggles are part of the journey for many, but with the right support, you can find your way back to yourself.

Let’s keep talking about it.