Today, Dr. Kat speaks with Dr. Lee Cohen about his powerful new documentary, More Than Blue. Dr. Cohen shares the inspiration behind the film, how it was made, and his hopes for its impact in destigmatizing perinatal mental health conditions. A passionate advocate, Dr. Cohen offers insights from his decades of work helping women navigate mood and anxiety disorders during and after pregnancy.

Please check out the trailer for More Than Blue here: https://womensmentalhealth.org/more-than-blue-documentary/

Bio Dr. Cohen:

Dr. Lee Cohen is Director of the Ammon-Pinizzotto Center for Women’s Mental Health at Massachusetts General Hospital and Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. A pioneer in perinatal and reproductive psychiatry, Dr. Cohen has dedicated his career to research, clinical care, and education focused on mental health across the female reproductive lifespan. He has authored over 350 publications in journals including JAMA and the American Journal of Psychiatry, and has received multiple awards for his contributions to maternal mental health. Dr. Cohen is a nationally recognized leader and a passionate voice in improving care for women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Show Highlights:

Dr. Cohen’s journey in women’s mental health

The key is getting patients well during pregnancy.

Today’s trends in perinatal mental health, from Dr. Cohen’s perspective as a researcher and clinician

Increasing awareness also increases access to care for at-risk patients.

Accessing care doesn’t always result in “well” patients several months later.

Planning process for the “More Than Blue” documentary

Characteristics of patients with PMADs 

Process of collecting, curating, and organizing diverse stories via⁠⁠ womensmentalhealth.org⁠⁠ to destigmatize treatment options and show multiple perspectives

Dr. Cohen’s perspective on the importance of including postpartum psychosis in the documentary (A YouTube video is in the works.)

Dr. Cohen’s passion and optimism for his work: “We’re not done.”

The intentional plan for screenings and dissemination of “More Than Blue” 

“Lowering the burden” in helping people feel comfortable in telling their stories to optimize the likelihood of proper care

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Cohen: The Center for⁠⁠ Women's Mental Health at MGH⁠⁠,⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, and⁠⁠ X⁠⁠.

Womensmentalhealth.org

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 contact us by phone or text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources available, including online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to become more supportive in offering services. 

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

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

Visit my website at⁠⁠ www.wellmindperinatal.com⁠⁠ for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please ⁠⁠email me⁠⁠ about openings for private pay clients.

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