Sarah Vaughan Discusses ‘Little Disasters’: Maternal OCD, Motherhood Truths, and Breaking the Stigma

TRIGGER WARNING: Please be aware, this episode contains references to sensitive content around maternal mental health.

This week, I’m joined by Sarah Vaughan – acclaimed author and journalist – for an honest conversation about maternal mental health and parenting. Sarah opens up about her own experience with maternal OCD, shining a light on a subject that is so often misunderstood and left unspoken.

We talk about the importance of sharing these stories, how being honest can help break down long-held stigmas, and the power of knowing you are not alone. Sarah shares her perspective on motherhood, the realities of navigating parenting alongside intrusive thoughts, and why talking openly can help others feel seen and supported.

If you’ve ever felt isolated in your worries as a parent, or curious to understand more about maternal OCD, Sarah’s honestly and gentle wisdom will leave you feeling heard, supported, and far less alone.

LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS

If the content around maternal mental health and perinatal OCD resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:

Maternal OCD: https://maternalocd.org/

Maternal Mental Health Alliance:https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

📚 Little Disasters by Sarah Vaughan

Sarah’s novel referenced in our conversation is Little Disasters: a gripping novel exploring motherhood, judgment, and the silent struggles many women face. It’s available in all good book shops, and the screen adaptation is available to stream on Paramount+.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

🗣️ Got something to share? Text or send a voice note on 07796657512—just start your message with LOB.

💬 Use the WhatsApp shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512?text=LOB

📧 Prefer email? Drop me a line at lifeofbryony@dailymail.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who might find Sarah’s insights helpful – it really makes a difference!

Bryony xx

Credits: 

Host: Bryony Gordon

Guest: Sarah Vaughan

Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig & Jonathan O'Sullivan

Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun

Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm

Editor: Luke Shelley

Exec Producer: Mike Wooller 

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.

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