In this September bonus episode of the Seasonal Sisters Podcast, Janice Saunders sits down with Laurel Browne, a community outreach and health communications professional, for an honest conversation about mental health, wellness, and the importance of giving yourself grace.
Laurel shares how her career journey took her from clinical psychology to public health and health communications, and how her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic shaped her passion for improving mental health outcomes in Black and underserved communities.
Janice and Laurel also talk about the barriers that can make it difficult for Black women to seek mental health support, including the pressure to always be the “strong Black woman.” They explore what it can look like to prioritize your mental health through therapy, supportive relationships, rest, boundaries, prayer, healthy habits, creativity, and simply checking in with yourself.
Together, they create a practical “recipe” for mental wellness that starts with one important ingredient: grace, not perfection.
Most importantly, this episode reminds us that it’s okay to not be okay. You don't have to stay in a difficult moment alone, and reaching out for support is a healthy habit.
In This Episode
Knowing when to reach out for professional or crisis support
Episode Timestamps;
00:00 A Note on Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
01:13 Meet Laurel Browne
04:49 Following Your Dreams Through Life Changes
12:51 Breaking Down Barriers to Mental Health Care
13:57 How Laurel Prioritizes Her Mental Health
20:20 Reaching Out for Help
23:41 Managing Stress & Practicing Rest
28:10 Creating Your Mental Wellness Recipe
34:23 The Importance of Sleep
37:24 Creativity as a Wellness Tool
40:36 Laurel’s Mental Health Work
43:26 Mental Health Resources
45:29 It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
Resources & Mentions
If you're having a difficult day, take a moment to pause and acknowledge how you're feeling. You don't have to fix everything at once. Give yourself grace, reach out to someone you trust, and remember that emotions can change.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out for support. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was mentioned in this episode as a resource for people in the United States.
And remember Janice’s reminder: phone a friend. It is a healthy habit.
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