Many places in the world still need perinatal mental health resources. In most cases, the key to accessibility is someone with the vision and passion to take action and lead with innovation. Today’s guest is making it happen with her groundbreaking work in India, and she’s here to share her story with us!

Dr. Paridhi Mehra is the founder and CEO of⁠ HappiNest⁠, India’s first dedicated platform for parental mental health. With nearly a decade of experience in health tech and public health innovation, Dr. Paridhi has led digital health solutions that improve access to healthcare for all. After experiencing firsthand the lack of awareness and support for maternal mental health in India, she founded HappiNest to bridge this gap, ensuring that every mother can access the care she deserves. She works at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and community to bring a happy start to parenthood for all. In this episode, Dr. Paridhi shares her journey, along with issues related to stigma and culture in maternal mental health. 

Show Highlights:

Dr. Paridhi’s journey from being a dentist and entering her first pregnancy, when she immediately knew something was “off.”

After her son was born, she felt like she was in a parallel universe where she didn’t know what to do or how to function.

Breastfeeding challenges, sleep deprivation, and feeling disconnected and distant from her baby

Cultural stigma in India about postpartum depression and the sacred role of a mother

With her husband pushing her to get help, she found the support she needed.

What it feels like to keep asking, “Why am I not happy?”

Working on a self-discovery journey and learning to enjoy her baby

Talking to a childhood friend and fellow new mom helped put Dr. Paridhi at ease, and things started to improve

The birth of HappiNest to fill the gaps for families in India with care AND prevention (but the stigma still prevents many women from reaching out for help)

An overview of the HappiNest program and process for offering online services

Dr. Paridhi’s perspective on what needs to change in India to offer help to more people

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Paridhi Mehra and HappiNest:⁠ Website⁠

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit⁠ cdph.ca.gov⁠

Please find resources in English and Spanish at⁠ Postpartum Support International⁠, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. 

You can also follow PSI on social media:⁠ Instagram⁠,⁠ Facebook⁠, and most other platforms.

Visit⁠ www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/⁠ for information on the grief course.  

Visit my website,⁠ www.wellmindperinatal.com⁠, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, ⁠email me⁠ about openings for private pay clients!

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