Dr. Pooja Sharma

11/26/2020

Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot. Wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! Stay safe!

11/03/2020

Just breathe.

Election Day is here and tensions are high. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, they say that more than half of Americans are stressed over the future of our nation.

Here are some tips to manage stress related to the election:

*Take moments throughout the day and be conscious of our thoughts. Challenge the negative thoughts.

*Breathing exercises: to calm the nerves

*Yoga

*Watching a funny show/movie

*Unplug from social media

*Take action: VOTE

At the end of the day, we are Americans and we are all humans. Let’s focus on coming together as a community and show kindness whatever the outcome may be.

*Please follow ➡️ share, like, comment, and help reduce stigma of mental health.

09/28/2020

Su***de prevention month

Let’s keep the conversation going.

*Trigger Warning*

I wanted to highlight a story that hits our community to the core. On July 24th, 2020 Nima Bhakta died from su***de. She was a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and POC. She suffered from postpartum depression. Before she died she wrote:

“I didn’t want you to see how different I became after Keshav....and don’t know how I could have changed dramatically.... My appearance changed, my mind was troubled... It was something you guys wouldn’t understand because the Indian society does not fully understand postpartum depression.”

Although I didn’t know Nima personally, her story hits home. I too suffered from postpartum depression. Her words resonate with me deeply as I felt these same things. We as a community need to do better. We got to cut the stigma out.

❌Stop the judging
❌ Stop saying: “Good mothers don’t get depressed.”
❌Stop saying: “How can you be depressed? ....But you got everything.”
❌Stop saying: “I thought you had a support system?!” Friends? Parents? Family?
❌Stop saying: “But you have such a beautiful baby.....Nothing should bother you.”

Remember you are NOT alone. Let’s work together, support each other, and take time to listen and connect.

Here are some resources:
National su***de prevention line: 1800-273-8255
Postpartum Support International Helpline:
1800-944-4773 or text 503-894-9453
Su***de prevention hotline:
1800-SUICIDE
National postpartum depression warmline:
1800-PPD-MOMS

*New support group: Desi Mom Chaat by postpartum support international. It is offered virtually first Monday every month. Swipe ➡️ for more info and/or follow

Please follow ➡️ share, like, comment, and help reduce stigma of mental health.

***deprevention

09/25/2020

Mindfulness Practice 🧘🏻‍♀️

Here are some simple ways to practice mindfulness in your everyday life:

*Mindfulness Breathing
It is a very simple yet powerful tool. The idea is simply to focus your attention on your breathing. Pay attention to the flow, and the way it feels on each inhale and exhale.

*Mindfulness Meditation
Sit in a comfortable position with your eyes open or closed. Make sure you are sitting up straight. Bring attention to your breathing. Notice your air filling up in your belly and then slowly leaving your body. Thoughts will come and go. Just simply bring your attention back to your breathing. Mindfulness meditation doesn’t need to take a lot of time. It can even be a for just a few minutes.

*Mindfulness Walks
While walking you can pay attention to your breathe. Start noticing how your body feels and moves. Bring attention to your surroundings.

*Mindfulness body scan
You can sit up straight, or lay on your back. Start breathing in through your nose and exhale slowly out of your mouth. Pay attention to your physical sensations in your body. Start from your feet and move up slowly toward the crown of your head.

*Mindfulness of the 5 senses
Make an effort to be present and aware of each of your five senses: see, feel, hear, taste, and smell.

Tap ❤️ if you agree.

What will your start practicing today?

Please follow ➡️ share, like, comment, and help reduce stigma of mental health.

09/24/2020

Mindfulness 🧘🏻‍♀️

What is mindfulness?

*Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment without judgement. Mindfulness is a state where you notice your thoughts, feelings, and body. It is when your body and mind are fully present at the same time. The goal is not to stop thinking or telling yourself to stop but rather for you to become aware of your thoughts and feelings. Once you notice your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations in a nonjudgmental manner than you are able to accept what is.

Benefits of mindfulness:

•Helps improve focus
•Helps one to adapt to stressful situations
•Helps reduce symptoms of anxiety no depression
•Helps regulate emotions
•Helps with excessive thoughts and over thinking
•Helps overall well-being

Please follow ➡️ share, like, comment, and help reduce stigma of mental health.

09/22/2020

During this pandemic, Covid can be stressful for many people. Fears and anxiety about this disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Rates of depression and anxiety have increased considerably during this pandemic.

You are in control.

*Be kind to yourself. Give yourself grace. It’s that simple. Be realistic and don’t pressure yourself to get everything done.

*Pause. Breathe even if it’s for a few minutes. Get some fresh air.

*Take breaks from the news. Limit your time. It’s not going anywhere.

*Stay connected. It’s easy for time to pass. Don’t forget to talk to a friend. Check in with a loved one.

*Seek help if feeling overwhelmed. Telehealth is available with most mental health professionals.

How are you taking care of your mental health?

Please follow ➡️ share, like, comment, and help reduce stigma of mental health.

09/21/2020

Good Morning!

The Key to Productive Morning Rituals!

Many of us are busy with a lot of responsibilities and obligations. We often feel strapped for time. It is important to create a morning ritual that fits your needs. It sets the tone for the day. It can be as simple as a 30 minute morning routine. It can be broken down into intervals of: 2, 5, and/or 10 minutes. You can do most activities before breakfast. Also prepping the night before will save time and help promote a positive fresh start for the next day. By creating a short morning routine , it can help build focus and eliminate stress which can be caused by the crazy morning rush.

One of our favorite family morning rituals is that we start the day with incense and diffusing an essential oil. This fills our home with positive energy and helps promote harmonious relationships. Just getting a few deep breaths can elevate your mood and promote positivity.

Please swipe ➡️ for helpful productive tips to incorporate in your morning rituals.

What will you start using in your morning ritual?

03/19/2020

Currently there is a lot of uncertainty around the world. Here are some ways to combat mental health issues around Coronavirus:
•Take breaks from watching or listening the news.
•Take care of your body: deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and/or exercise daily.
•Make time to unwind. Try to do activities that you enjoy.
•Connect with others: Call, FaceTime, and write emails.

01/28/2020

Many people have conflicting thoughts and feelings surrounded by the tragic helicopter crash that took nine lives this past Sunday in Calabasas, Ca. Here are the top five reasons why we grieve people we never met.

05/23/2019

One in 7 women experience depression after pregnancy, and one in 10 have depression during pregnancy. Know the signs and how to get help today.

No one should have to suffer alone with postpartum mental health issues.