In the final episode of Season Two of the Women's Digital Health Podcast, I wanted to guide you through our mental health and technology journey. This season has focused on how technology can support mental health, especially in light of the current mental health crisis highlighted by the American Psychological Association.

We’ve packed this season with valuable content aimed at being a resource for our community and discussed the scarcity of mental health professionals. Technology can serve as a bridge to help those in need, but with all of the advancements in the tech health space, it can be difficult to know which option (or options) are right for you.

As we wrap up, I provide a roadmap to navigate our episodes so you can find the support that resonates with you. I share key takeaways from each episode, my personal reflections, and some exciting announcements about what’s coming in season three.

Topics include:

Understanding the mental health crisis

• The role of technology
• Episode highlights, and pointers to the topics we covered
• My personal reflections on Season Two of the Women's Digital Health Podcast
• The first step you should take before exploring digital mental health solutions
• Future directions and plans for Season Three of the Women's Digital Health Podcast

I hope that this episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to integrate technology into their mental health journey. By providing a guide to previous episodes and sharing personal insights, I hope you'll feel more confident in taking charge of your mental health with the help of innovative digital solutions.

Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know about the launch of Season Three!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Listen to Dr. Brandi's episode of the Overlooked podcast: Where do we get our health information from?
• Sign up for the Women's Digital Health Newsletter

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.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Reverend Sonia Russell, the CEO behind the Blackfullness mental health app. We delved into her journey, discussing how she overcame personal challenges when she discovered mindfulness.

Sonia shared insights into the app's features, which aims to support Black individuals in managing stress and promoting mindfulness through breathing techniques. The app was developed with a grant from the National Institutes of Health and focuses on making mindfulness accessible to a diverse community.

Blackfullness provides a platform for individuals to engage in mindfulness practices tailored to their needs, with different options based on emotional states like feeling overwhelmed or needing to center oneself. By incorporating technology, the app aims to reach a wider audience and provide a relatable space for Black individuals to explore mindfulness.

Topics include:

• Sonia's story, and how mindfulness has helped her.
• The power of focusing on your breath to help center your mind and body, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being.
• Why Sonia developed a digital app that is relatable and accessible to Black individuals seeking mental health support.
• What mindfulness is and isn't, and a powerful way to begin your practice.
• Future developments for Blackfullness.

Through a blend of technology, research, and community engagement, the Blackfullness app serves as a valuable resource for promoting mental well-being and self-awareness. Sonia's dedication to creating a platform that resonates with users and fosters a sense of empowerment underscores the app's mission to make mindfulness practices accessible and impactful for all.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Listen to Episode 11 of the Women's Digital Health podcast - Navigating Digital Mental Health: Digital Apps, Digital Therapeutics and Resources
• Visit Blackfullness
• Connect with Blackfullness on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
• Sign up for the Women's Digital Health Newsletter

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.

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.