This episode contains depictions of suicide and infanticide that you may find disturbing.

Did you know that 20% of pregnant women experience emotional or mood disorders? And while we don't always want to talk about it, suicide during the perinatal period is a leading cause of death in women.

My guest today is Dr. Dhami, a specialist in perinatal mental health. She shares valuable insights and resources for women facing perinatal mental health conditions and highlights the limited availability of specialized inpatient treatment for those affected.

Topics include:

• The importance of advocating for oneself when it comes to mental health care during pregnancy and postpartum.
• The importance of specialized inpatient treatment for pregnant individuals with emotional and mood disorders, and the need for more resources and programs dedicated to perinatal mental health.
• Technology's role in improving access to mental health care for pregnant and postpartum women, particularly when combined with in-person evaluation for more severe conditions.

If you need to talk to someone:

• Reach the National Suicide Prevention Line (USA) by dialing 988 on your phone or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
• Contact the Trevor Project (for suicide prevention and overall mental well-being of young LGBTQ lives) at https://www.thetrevorproject.org or call 866-488-7386.
• For anyone outside the USA, see https://befrienders.org/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Suicide and Maternal Mortality | Current Psychiatry Reports
• Postpartum resources for mental health:
  • https://www.postpartum.net/
  • https://marcesociety.com/
  • https://womensmentalhealth.org/
  • The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale
• Inpatient Perinatal Hospitals
  • Perinatal Psychiatry Inpatient Unit - Center for Women's Mood Disorders (unc.edu)
  • Perinatal psychiatry services - Obstetrics and Gynecology | Northwell Health
  • Women’s Specialty Unit | El Camino Health
• Hotline for El Calmino Hospital Inpatient Perinatal Mental Health for providers and families: 650-988

Disclaimer
The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

The personal views expressed by guests on Women's Digital Health are their own. Their inclusion here does not constitute an endorsement from Dr. Brandi, Women's Digital Health, or associated organizations.

Visit Women's Digital Health and subscribe to our newsletter.

Connect with Women's Digital Health on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Have you ever wanted to tell yourself a different story about your past? A story that embraces challenges, restores joy, and stops you from reliving past trauma over and over again.

My guest today is LaShonda Walker, the founder of A New Life Story Coaching Service. Despite checking all the societal boxes of success, LaShonda found herself exhausted and unfulfilled. Her turning point came during the pandemic, which led her to embrace the Adult Chair Model and eventually become a coach to help others navigate similar struggles.

This model involves looking at life through the lens of three different chairs: the inner child chair, the adolescent chair, and the adult chair. By exploring past experiences and focusing on the present moment, individuals can uncover their authentic selves and make positive changes in their lives.

In our conversation, LaShonda also discussed the impact of social media on mental health and how individuals can navigate external influences while focusing on their own well-being.

Topics include:

A description of the three phases of the adult chair model, and how exploring them can help you to change your story

• The way that technology can enhance well-being and provide resources for clients to use in between coaching sessions
• The first step to take in order to stay present and address overwhelming emotions
• Recognizing the legacy of generational patterns and shame on mental health
• Where to find out more about LaShonda and her work

Throughout the episode, LaShonda provides valuable insights into how technology can enhance the coaching experience, making mental health support more accessible and effective. She encourages listeners to take small steps, like a minute of deep breathing, to start changing their life and legacy.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Sign up for the Women's Digital Health Newsletter
• Visit LaShonda at A New Life Story
• Connect with LaShonda on Instagram and Facebook
• Listen to the A New Life Story podcast

Subscribe to the Women's Digital Health Podcast wherever you're listening right now, and discover more about the intersection of technology, mental health, and personal development. And please share the podcast with anyone from your community who will benefit.

Disclaimer
The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

The personal views expressed by guests on Women's Digital Health are their own. Their inclusion here does not constitute an endorsement from Dr. Brandi, Women's Digital Health, or associated organizations.

Visit Women's Digital Health and subscribe to our newsletter.

Connect with Women's Digital Health on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

If you're feeling burnt out, did you know that non-invasive brain technologies can make a big difference in your life? By delivering microcurrents to the brain through the vagus nerve, this innovative approach can address various mental health conditions without the need for invasive procedures.

We look into the world of non-invasive brain technologies, which entails delivering low-level electrical currents to targeted areas of the brain. These technologies have the potential to reduce stress, burnout, and address various mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. It's fascinating to learn about these exciting approaches to mental health management.

Neuroscientist Dr. Alison Smith shares her personal journey of Lyme disease and the anxiety disorder that followed. Her story sheds light on the importance of advocating for oneself and having open conversations with healthcare providers to explore all possible avenues for diagnosis and treatment.

Finally, we learn about the physiological cascade of the stress response and how it can differ between individuals. Dr. Smith highlights the importance of recognizing stress triggers and building resilience to prevent long-term mental health conditions like anxiety and panic disorders.

Topics include:

• Introducing Non-Invasive Brain Technologies
• Dr. Allison Smith's personal experience of Lyme Disease
• Understanding the physiological responses to stress, and how it affects individuals differently based on gender and lifestyle factors
• How non-invasive brain technologies can address conditions like depression, anxiety, and burnout, offering new avenues for mental health support
• The importance of self-care, advocacy, and seeking appropriate medical advice for managing stress and mental health challenges effectively

Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Let's continue to prioritize self-care and seek out innovative solutions to support our well-being.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Watch the full interview with Dr. Alison Smith, Neuroscientist and Co-Founder of Roga

Subscribe to the Women's Digital Health Podcast wherever you're listening right now. And please share the podcast with anyone from your community who will benefit.

Disclaimer
The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

The personal views expressed by guests on Women's Digital Health are their own. Their inclusion here does not constitute an endorsement from Dr. Brandi, Women's Digital Health, or associated organizations.

Visit Women's Digital Health and subscribe to our newsletter.

Connect with Women's Digital Health on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.