421: "More Than Blue" Documentary with Dr. Lee Cohen

421: "More Than Blue" Documentary with Dr. Lee Cohen

Author: Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D., PMH-C June 9, 2025 Duration: 41:09
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by psychologist and perinatal mental health specialist Dr. Katayune Kaeni, the Mom and Mind podcast creates a vital space for conversations that are often left in the shadows. While postpartum depression is a critical starting point, this series explores the entire spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, from anxiety and OCD to the complex emotions that many new parents experience but feel unprepared to discuss. Dr. Kat, as she’s known to listeners, brings both professional expertise and deep empathy to each episode, sitting down with mothers, fathers, clinicians, and advocates to share real stories and practical strategies. You’ll hear honest dialogues about coping, managing daily life, and the nuanced path to recovery, all framed within the understanding that mental health is foundational to family health. This isn’t about quick fixes, but about building resilience and finding community through shared experience. The Mom and Mind podcast consistently goes beyond surface-level advice, delving into the raw, complicated, and hopeful realities of parenting’s early stages. It’s a resource that acknowledges the full picture of becoming a parent, offering validation and evidence-based guidance when it’s needed most. Tune in for conversations that are as informative as they are genuinely supportive.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Mom and Mind | Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Podcast Episodes
Birth Trauma: Gaps in Care and Advocacy for Change (Ep. 479) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:46
If you’re one of the many mothers who has experienced birth trauma, you’ve likely battled shame, anger, confusion, among other emotions. Today’s guest discusses her story of birth trauma, including the effects of the exp…
A Postpartum Psychosis Journey: From Healing to Advocacy (Ep. 478) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:24
Today’s guest shares her personal story of postpartum psychosis with an underlying bipolar disorder. Her experience has inspired her passion for advocacy on behalf of other mothers who need support and the assurance that…
Embodied Motherhood: Postpartum and Beyond (Ep. 476) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:06
Today’s episode takes a deep dive into learning to listen to your body and understanding how this knowledge can support you through motherhood. Trusting your body with a deep connectedness can help you heal your relation…
Perinatal Mental Health Risks: Using the HEAL MAMAS Tool (Ep. 473) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:26
Today’s episode focuses on the HEAL MAMAS advocacy tool and the importance of understanding risk factors for perinatal mental health. Women and their providers need to know the risks for PMADs and the screening process.…