Like so many moms, Erica Djossa, a registered psychotherapist specializing in maternal mental health, entered motherhood assuming her “maternal instinct” would guide her through any challenges she faced. Yet, like so many mothers she'd counseled, she too, found herself struggling with identity loss, the mental load of motherhood, and the pressure to be perfect. Eventually, she had a breakdown that turned out to be a breakthrough – a moment where she realized that she was suffering from postpartum depression.
When she sought help, she was dismissed by doctors who assured her that she just needed more rest. Frustrated, Erica pushed to be taken seriously, and finally got the care she needed. Through that experience, Erica realized that moms deserved more.
Realizing how difficult it is to find mental health services, the now mother of 3 founded Happy as a Mother, which has evolved into Momwell, to provide mom-centered virtual therapy services and mental health literacy for moms at every stage of their motherhood journey. She has also taken to social media to make a difference. Her graphics have been shared by celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Ashley Graham, Nia Long, Hilaria Baldwin, Christy Turlington and Adrienne Bosh. Erica is passionate about maternal mental healthcare and putting moms back on the priority list.
In this episode we dive deep into:
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You can follow Erica and Momwell on Instagram @momwell and visit momwell.com.
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130 Group B Strep (GBS), Pregnancy, and Antibiotics in Labor
129 Cannabis and Period Pain: Can It Really Help
128 Black Mothers Lives Matter with Midwife Shafia Monroe
127 A Complete Guide to Empowered Miscarriage at Home
126 COVID-19 and Autoimmune Disease Risk: It Depends on the Condition
125 COVID-19 Prevention: From Commonsense to Natural Remedies (& Avoiding Nonsense!)
124 COVID-19, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: What We Know is Reassuring
123 Herbs and Supplements for Endometriosis - Encore Presentation
122 Reinventing the Vibrator and Women’s Sexual Healing
121 Bold and Beautiful: Healing With and From Hormonal Hair Loss
120 What New Moms Need to Know About Thyroid Problems - Encore Presentation
119 Thyroid in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know - Encore Presentation
118 Thyroid Testing: What You Need to Know - Encore Presentation
117 Hashimoto's Diagnosis: Here's What to Do Next
116 The Adrenal Thyroid Connection
115 Overlooked & Ignored: Why Women Don’t Get a Thyroid Diagnosis
114 Pushing Back on Medical Authority with Jennifer Block
113 Headaches in Pregnancy: Is Tylenol Safe
112 Come As You Are with Emily Nagoski
111 Are Herbs Safe in Pregnancy - Encore Presentation
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