Daily Inspiration: Meet Carolyn Larsen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Larsen.

Hi Carolyn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always wanted to be a mother. My husband Zach and I have been blessed with two little girls we love. By nature, I am a planner. I have always had a backup and another plan, just in case. As you can imagine, I prepared well for my pregnancy, labor, birth experiences, and postpartum. Well, plans don’t always go as expected. Challenges like hyperemesis gravidarum (extreme, persistent nausea and vomiting), COVID-19, hemorrhaging, blood transfusions, low amniotic fluid, and bedrest all changed my plans. Being a mom didn’t come as naturally as I’d envisioned. After both births, I experienced postpartum depression (PPD). I’d never even experienced depression before.

I knew I was at risk both times because other women in my family had previously experienced PPD. Both times I had a plan. One time I tried medication; one time, I did not. Both times I had suicidal thoughts. I’m a survivor because I made a plan. My plan wasn’t perfect, and both times were very different experiences. But, because of my plan, I could tell people I needed help.

After my second baby and weaning off antidepressant medication, I needed an outlet. I was feeling lost in motherhood and needed something for me! I found a local pageant to put my little girls in and had so much fun pulling together their wardrobes and getting involved in a new world I never thought I’d be in. I began to think, “Hey, I could do this. I could enter myself in a pageant. This could be great for me.”

I researched Mrs. Pageants in Arizona, and that’s when I came across Arizona International Pageants (located in the Phoenix area) and the International Pageant system. This pageant system aligned with my core beliefs, emphasizing families, community service, and outreach, so I went for it! I am grateful and honored to have the Mrs. Arizona International 2023 title. It has been the perfect way to motivate myself to be healthy through my mental and physical journey.

I have started Mothering Mothers, an initiative to promote maternal mental health, raise awareness, and provide resources and ideas of what actions you can take to support mothers near and far because maternal mental health matters. I’ve even created a handout entitled ’50 Ways to Adopt a Mom’ that gives specific ways to support moms. It’s time to mother the mothers!

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Motherhood has not been a smooth road. Though my journey has been rocky, knowing that 1 in 5 moms experience postpartum depression has given me the desire to spread awareness surrounding maternal mental health disorders. Embarking on pageantry has had its challenges. Preparing for the Mrs. International pageant has required major time commitments, from workout sessions to rehearsals, meetings, and mental preparation. Still, my family has been a part of my Mrs. Arizona International journey every step of the way. My daughter sometimes says, “Don’t go to pageant practice,” but then she is beside me, practicing my walking, poses, and even speeches! It is a family affair. That being said, having a crown and title has helped me with unique opportunities to share my story and get the information out in the community about the resources available to help new moms and families. I have already received feedback from several women who have gotten the help they need because of what I have shared. To me, that is what this is about. This is my why. It’s about taking care of the moms.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I wear several hats and a crown too! I am, first and foremost, a mother to two beautiful and very active little girls. Yep, being a mom is work! I am also an occupational therapist. Most people are unfamiliar with occupational therapists, so let me explain in broad terms. An occupational therapist uses everyday activities (occupations) to help you do the important activities you want or need to do. My area of practice is in pediatrics. I also run a small OT consultation operation called Just Ask The OT.

It only seemed fitting that after studying Psychology and Sociology in college and then experiencing postpartum depression, I volunteered with Postpartum Support International (PSI) – Arizona Chapter. Through this organization, I’ve promoted awareness of maternal mental health disorders and shared the available free resources. I will be hosting a PSI event called Climb Out of the Darkness in October, a resource fair geared towards new moms and families. As Mrs. Arizona International, I have used my background in psychology, sociology, occupational therapy, and being a mom and a PPD survivor to make a difference in the lives of those who may have felt alone in their motherhood struggles.

What do you think about luck?
While I feel fortunate to have this opportunity to represent the great state of Arizona, it is not luck that got me here. The Lord has allowed me to share my story to help others. It might not be how I envisioned it would work out, but I’ve been guided this far and keep moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://motheringmothers247.wordpress.com/
• Instagram: @mrs.carolyn.larsen
• Other: @mothering_mothers_

Image Credits
Pink dress with crown – Photos by Gaby Red, headshot – Rori Glover Studios Yellow, headshot – Rori Glover Studios, Purple and pink dress with crown – Photos by Gaby, shot with husband with glasses and black shirt and pink dress – Photos by Gaby, Hanging flowers photos with peach dress – Little Clark Creative