Show Notes: Ep. 13 – Mothering with Mental Illness with Dolly Lovato

SUMMARY AND GUEST BIO:

This episode wraps up our focus for May of Motherhood.We’ve tried to have conversations surrounding motherhood that aren’t frequently discussed in many circles. We’ve acknowledged some really hard and beautiful things and today’s episode will be no different. Britt is joined on this episode by Dolly Lovato, a wife and mama whose own motherhood journey has been marked by the work of breaking generational trauma, navigating multiple mental illnesses, and finding help and healing along the way.

Dolly Lovato is a wife and mother of two currently residing in Phoenix, Arizona. She has a background in film, Jewish ministry, digital marketing, and dance. When she is not snuggling babies or tackling the dishes, she is pursuing a second degree online, writing, and actively pursuing healing from generational trauma and abuse. Dolly is passionate about starting meaningful conversation around the stories we hold deep within our hearts. She believes that survivors have more power than we realize, and that finding and using our voices brings healing not just to the individual, but to the world. 

IN THIS EPISODE, BRITT TALKS WITH DOLLY LOVATO ABOUT:

• Generational trauma
• Mental health issues + abuse within families
• Mental health and its effect on motherhood + marriage
• Fear and stigma surrounding seeking professional help
• Teaching children about mental illness

“People who struggle with mental health issues–it’s just even more important to have a routine of rest and implementing rest because your body is tired; your body is trying to heal itself, and God wants to heal you also…That’s why God created the Sabbath, and that’s why God calls us to rest.” – Dolly Lovato

“It’s okay to not feel the pressure of having to do in order to prove my worth.” – Britt Smith

On self-care: “Do what’s good for you, not just what feels good.” – Britt Smith

“The cycle has to stop with me,” she says. “I want to live for my babies because they deserve a mother who is healing and present…Everything that I do, I do by the grace of God for them and for my husband…” – Dolly Lovato

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• ACE Test (Adverse Childhood Experiences Test) (6:46)
• Perinatal Depression (depression during pregnancy) (16:34)
• Toxic Positivity Culture (28:37)
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255 (1:02:38)
• Mending the Soul book and workbook (1:04:18)
• It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered by Lysa TerKeurst (1:04:53)
• After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love by Alexandra Elle (1:05:02)
• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. (1:05:23)
• Arizona area: Southwest Human Development (1:06:09)
• The Good Fit Counseling Program (1:06:12)
• Better Help (1:07:00)

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Talk to you next week!