A Complex Perinatal Journey: Beyond Postpartum and Movement Toward Healing & Recovery
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Episode Notes
In this episode of Perinatal and Reproductive Perspectives, host Becky Morrison speaks with Celeste Brinkerhoff, a certified peer support specialist and holistic health coach, about her layered and courageous journey through bipolar disorder and into motherhood.
Celeste opens up about the early challenges of diagnosis and treatment, her transition to holistic approaches—including micronutrient therapy and mindfulness—and the support systems that helped her stay grounded. Together, she and Becky explore the complexity of the perinatal period, the impact of stigma, and the transformative power of open conversations and community support.
Celeste’s story is a moving reminder that recovery is possible—and that healing often happens in relationship with others. Whether you're navigating mental health as a parent or supporting someone who is, this episode is full of insight, compassion, and hope.
Topics include:
Navigating bipolar disorder during the perinatal period
Holistic mental health practices and micronutrient therapy
The role of mindfulness and traditional Chinese medicine
Medical stigma and the importance of advocacy
Peer support, trauma-informed care, and person-centered coaching
Advice for parents, partners, and providers
“Mental health deserves a casserole.”
Show Notes
Introduction and Neighborly Courage (00:00:00)
Celeste shares her experience of reaching out to her neighbor about her mental health struggles.
Podcast Introduction (00:00:18)
Becky introduces the podcast and its focus on perinatal and reproductive health.
Welcoming Celeste (00:00:50)
Becky expresses excitement about having Celeste on the podcast to discuss her journey.
Celeste's Background (00:01:16)
Celeste discusses her identity as a mother and her mental health diagnosis journey.
Initial Diagnosis and Treatment (00:01:20)
Celeste recounts her early struggles with bipolar disorder and the limitations of conventional treatments.
Exploring Holistic Approaches (00:02:36)
Celeste describes her transition to holistic treatments and the impact on her mental health.
Micronutrient Therapy (00:05:42)
Celeste explains the concept of micronutrients and their role in treating bipolar disorder.
Understanding Qi in Chinese Medicine (00:06:50)
Celeste discusses the concept of Qi and its importance in mental health from a holistic perspective.
Mindfulness as a Tool (00:08:10)
Celeste highlights the significance of mindfulness in managing mental health challenges.
Stability and Relationships (00:09:57)
Celeste shares her journey towards stability and the impact of relationships on her mental health.
Returning to Conventional Care (00:10:55)
Celeste describes her experience with conventional psychiatric care during a difficult period.
Conceiving While Struggling (00:11:31)
Celeste discusses conceiving her child while facing significant mental health challenges.
Complexity of the Perinatal Period (00:12:44)
Becky emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the perinatal period, including mental health and support systems.
Navigating Medication Changes (00:14:06)
Celeste shares her experience of managing medication changes during pregnancy.
Support from Healthcare Providers (00:15:15)
Celeste talks about the supportive role of her midwife during her pregnancy journey.
Overcoming Stigma (00:17:31)
Celeste reflects on the stigma surrounding mental health and the importance of supportive relationships.
Empowerment Through Sharing (00:19:12)
Celeste discusses the motivation behind her advocacy and peer support work.
Reflecting on Recovery (00:21:07)
Celeste shares her journey from struggling to empowering others in their mental health journeys.
The Role of Champions (00:22:22)
Becky and Celeste discuss the importance of supportive figures in navigating mental health challenges.
Breaking the Silence (00:26:19)
Celeste recounts her decision to reach out for help and the importance of community support.
The Value of Community (00:27:41)
Celeste emphasizes the need for open conversations about mental health to foster community support.
Understanding ACEs and Their Impact (00:29:00)
Discussion on adverse childhood experiences and their effects on children with parents facing mental health issues.
Breaking the Stigma (00:29:20)
Exploration of initiatives aimed at reducing stigma surrounding mental health and fostering community support.
The Importance of Community (00:29:55)
Emphasis on creating normalcy and support within families affected by mental health challenges.
Trauma and Family Dynamics (00:31:00)
Insights on the trauma experienced by families and the importance of understanding mental health issues.
Protective Factors Against Trauma (00:32:05)
Discussion on protective factors that help mitigate the effects of adverse childhood experiences.
Legacy of Support (00:33:00)
Celeste shares her desire to leave a positive legacy for her daughter regarding mental health awareness.
Holistic Health Coaching (00:34:31)
Introduction to Celeste's holistic health coaching approach and its focus on mental health.
Person-Centered Coaching (00:36:07)
Highlighting the importance of individualized, person-centered approaches in health coaching.
Multimodal Approaches to Wellness (00:37:14)
Discussion on the effectiveness of combining various health and wellness strategies beyond traditional therapy.
Empowerment through Peer Support (00:38:15)
Celeste shares her journey to becoming a peer support specialist and her passion for health advocacy.
Advice for Future Moms (00:40:02)
Celeste offers practical advice for navigating modern challenges in motherhood and mental health.
Finding Celeste's Services (00:41:00)
Information on how to connect with Celeste for coaching and support services.
Guest information
Celeste Brinkerhoff is a certified peer support specialist and holistic health coach dedicated to assisting individuals in achieving mental and physical well-being. She offers personalized coaching services through her platform, Mentally Real, focusing on integrative and complementary approaches to mental health.
Celeste's journey into holistic mental health was profoundly influenced by her personal experiences. Diagnosed with multiple mental health conditions at a young age, she faced challenges with traditional treatments and their side effects. A pivotal moment came after a traumatic postpartum experience, leading her to explore integrative care. Under the guidance of Dr. Scott Shannon at the Wholeness Center, she underwent comprehensive assessments that addressed root causes of her distress, including nutritional deficiencies and inflammation. This holistic approach, combined with the use of Hardy Nutritionals' Daily Essential Nutrients, played a significant role in her recovery.
Today, Celeste is not only a thriving health coach but also serves as a Practitioner Advisor at Hardy Nutritionals. She is passionate about empowering others with the knowledge and tools that aided in her own recovery, emphasizing the importance of addressing foundational needs for long-term mental health.