The Mental Breakdown: More Than Sad - The Truth About Major Depressive Disorder

The Mental Breakdown: More Than Hormones: Understanding PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)

In this episode of The Mental Breakdown, Autumn dives into PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) — a severe hormone-related mood disorder that affects up to 1 in 20 people who menstruate. We’re unpacking how PMDD goes far beyond PMS, how it’s misunderstood and misdiagnosed (especially in Black and Brown communities), and how it impacts those juggling parenting, identity, and mental health. Autumn also shares her lived experience with PMDD and offers a grounding practice to bring more compassion and awareness to your cycle. What You’ll Learn: * What PMDD actually is and how it differs from PMS * Common emotional and physical symptoms of PMDD * How PMDD is diagnosed (and why so many get misdiagnosed) * The impact of PMDD on moms, identity, and self-worth * Treatment options and supportive tools * A grounding practice to bring calm and connection to your body Resources & References: * IAPMD (International Association for Premenstrual Disorders): https://www.iapmd.org [https://www.iapmd.org/] * PMDD Diagnosis Guide: https://iapmd.org/diagnosis * PMDD Treatment Info: https://iapmd.org/treatment-guidelines  * Me v PMDD symptom tracking app: https://mevpmdd.com [https://mevpmdd.com/] This episode is for educational purposes only. Please consult a licensed mental health or medical provider for diagnosis and care.

The Mental Breakdown: More Than Sad - The Truth About Major Depressive Disorder

Welcome to this episode of The Mental Breakdown, a short and intentional weekly mental health space by Sol Well, designed to raise awareness, spark reflection, and offer practical support—one topic at a time. This week, we’re breaking down Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) — a clinical diagnosis that’s often misunderstood, misused, or masked by shame and silence, especially in Black and Brown communities and among mothers. We unpack: * What MDD really is, and how it differs from temporary sadness or “feeling down.” * The core symptoms and criteria used for diagnosis — including emotional, physical, and cognitive impacts. * How MDD shows up in the lives of moms, especially those navigating pressure to appear strong or “hold it all together.” * The barriers and disparities faced by Black and Brown women in getting properly screened, diagnosed, and treated. * The harm of toxic positivity and why gratitude isn’t a cure for depression. * Culturally responsive treatment options and support approaches that can help. * An intentional “Mood Check-In” grounding practice and an affirmation to close out the episode. Whether you’re silently navigating depression, suspect you or a loved one may be living with MDD, or simply want to better understand this condition — this episode offers a grounded, validating, and practical breakdown of a very real experience. Mentioned Stats & Resources: * American Psychiatric Association: Racial disparities in diagnosis and care * National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – MDD overview: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression [https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression] * Mental Health America (MHA): https://mhanational.org/conditions/depression * Therapy for Black Girls – Therapist directory and mental health support: https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com [https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/] * Postpartum Support International (PSI) – Resources for maternal mental health: https://www.postpartum.net [https://www.postpartum.net/] Connect + Support If this episode resonated with you or someone you love, share it, DM Autumn, or join our village at Sol Well. It take a village to raise a mother🩺 Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a licensed provider for support tailored to you.

The Mental Breakdown: Bipolar - More than Mood Swings

Welcome to this episode of The Mental Breakdown, a short and intentional weekly mental health space by Sol Well, designed to raise awareness, spark reflection, and offer practical support—one topic at a time. This week, we’re diving into Bipolar Disorder — a mood disorder that’s so often reduced to stereotypes and confusion, but is so much more than just "mood swings." 💬 We unpack: * What Bipolar Disorder is, its core features beyond simple mood changes, and its historical name (manic depression). * The different types of mood episodes * An overview of the main types of Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder. * Common signs and symptoms associated with both manic/hypomanic and depressive phases. * A look at  treatment options, including medications, psychotherapy (like CBT and IPSRT), psychoeducation, lifestyle management, and support systems. * The specific impacts and disparities of Bipolar Disorder within Black/Brown communities, including challenges with diagnosis, stigma, systemic factors, and access to care. Whether you’re navigating Bipolar Disorder yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply want to learn more, this episode offers an informative breakdown to deepen your understanding. Mentioned Resources & Citations: * National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - Bipolar Disorder: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder [https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder] * Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): https://www.dbsalliance.org [https://www.dbsalliance.org/] * Mental Health America (MHA) - Bipolar Disorder: https://mhanational.org/conditions/bipolar-disorder [https://mhanational.org/conditions/bipolar-disorder] * Mayo Clinic - Bipolar Disorder: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955 [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955] Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only. For diagnosis, treatment, or mental health support, please consult a licensed mental health or primary care provider.

The Mental Break Down: More Than Just Trauma: Understanding C-PTSD

Welcome to the premiere episode of The Mental Break Down, a 5 minute weekly mental health mini-series by Sol Well, designed to raise awareness, spark reflection, and offer practical support—one topic at a time. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, this week we’re diving into Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) — a lesser-known but deeply impactful diagnosis that can shape how we feel about ourselves, relate to others, and navigate the world. 💬 We unpack: * What C-PTSD is and how it differs from PTSD * Signs and symptoms like emotional flashbacks and relationship struggles * How trauma-informed care and proper diagnosis make a difference * A grounding tool to support emotional regulation: The Safe Place Visualization Whether you’re navigating trauma or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a gentle but informative breakdown to deepen your understanding. MENTIONED RESOURCES & CITATIONS * VA National Center for PTSD: ptsd.va.gov [https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/complex_ptsd.asp] * NYU Scholars on C-PTSD: nyuscholars.nyu.edu [https://nyuscholars.nyu.edu/en/publications/complex-post-traumatic-stress-disorder] DISCLAIMER This episode is for educational purposes only. For diagnosis, treatment, or mental health support, please consult a licensed mental health or primary care provider.

Empowering Moms to Prioritize Their Health for Generational Impact with Precious K Williams

Join us on the Sol Well Podcast for a powerful conversation with Precious K. Williams, a mom coach and motivational wellness speaker. Discover how her experiences—from growing up in a blended family to becoming an instant mom—shaped her mission to help other mothers L.I.F.T. themselves first. Learn about the importance of holistic wellness, the power of community, and why it's crucial for moms to "take their turn". Precious gets real about the challenges of motherhood, overcoming burnout, and finding purpose in the struggle. In this Episode, * Her unique motherhood journey: Growing up in Chicago with Ghanaian roots, being part of a blended family, and becoming a bonus mom. * Generational Health: Understanding the different areas of health beyond just the physical (mental, spiritual, social, etc.) and choosing not to inherit unhealthy patterns or burnout seen in previous generations. * Moms on a Mission Wellness: The story behind her platform and the L.I.F.T. framework (Lighten load, Ignite spark, Freedom mindset, Take your turn) designed to help moms prioritize holistic well-being. * Addressing Burnout: Recognizing the signs, getting real about the struggles (like wanting to drive away!), and finding purpose through those challenges. * Faith & Wellness: Integrating spiritual health with physical and mental well-being, and the importance of being honest about struggles even within a faith context. This episode is for you if: * You feel overwhelmed, stressed, or burnt out in motherhood. * You recognize unhealthy patterns passed down through generations and want to create a different legacy for your family. * You struggle to prioritize your own health and well-being amidst family responsibilities. * You're looking for a holistic approach to wellness that includes mental, spiritual, and emotional health, not just physical. Guest Bio: Precious K. Williams is a mom coach and motivational wellness speaker based in metropolitan Atlanta, GA. She is also the founder of "Simply Passionate Life" (SPL) and CEO of MomsonAMissionWellness, a lifestyle brand and wellness platform for moms on a mission to build generational health. Precious educates moms on how to L.I.F.T themselves first to create a ripple effect in the health of their families! Her mission is to train moms on how to LIGHTEN their load, IGNITE their spark, and embrace a FREEDOM mindset, so they can finally TAKE their turn in their own lives and build generational health. Precious earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science at Howard University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling at Georgia State University. Before becoming a mother she lost 75 lbs to transform her life and health. As a result, she is extremely passionate about education and holistic health promotion. With her  experience as a loving mom of three and faithful wife of one, Precious coaches her clients and audience that generational health starts with you, "You can’t afford to put off your health another day; it’s mom’s turn!" Connect with Precious Instagram:www.instagram.com/preciouskwilliams [http://www.instagram.com/preciouskwilliams] Website: www.preciouskwilliams.com/home [http://www.preciouskwilliams.com/home]