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.

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.