Reproductive health is often discussed in terms of our physical bodies, but what about our mental and emotional well-being across the reproductive lifespan? In today’s session, I’m joined by Dr. MiMi Sanders, a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in reproductive psychiatry, to help us better understand the unique mental health needs that can show up during menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, and menopause. We explore what reproductive psychiatry is, why it’s especially important for Black women, how mood and anxiety disorders can show up during major reproductive transitions, and what it looks like to advocate for yourself when navigating mental health care during these seasons. Dr. Sanders also breaks down common myths about medication during pregnancy and postpartum and shares what supportive, culturally responsive care should look like.
About the Podcast
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.
Resources & Announcements
Want to reflect on this conversation in community? Join us inside our Patreon community where we’re unpacking this episode together.
You can now catch episodes of the Therapy for Black Girls podcast on YouTube. Be sure to subscribe to get new episodes every week.
Did you know you can leave us a voice note with your questions for the podcast? If you have a question you'd like some feedback on, topics you'd like to hear covered, or want to suggest movies or books for us to review, drop us a message at memo.fm/therapyforblackgirls and let us know what’s on your mind. We just might share it on the podcast.
Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals.
Where to Find Our Guest
Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox.
If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory.
Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop.
The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession.
Make sure to follow us on social media:
Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls
Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls
Our Production Team
Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Gabrielle Collins
Director of Podcast & Digital Content: Ellice Ellis
Producers: Tyree Rush & Ndeye Thioubou

Session 449: Environmental Racism & Toxic Products Explained
44:44

Session 448: Who Are You, For Real?
25:58

Session 447: Getting Through Friendship Breakups
14:13