Bloom Mental Health & Wellness

10/03/2024

October is recognized as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. During this time, we honor the precious babies lost too soon. I wish this month wasn’t necessary and that we could hold all our little ones in our arms rather than keep them in our hearts.

Remember, this month and every day, you are not alone. Your baby mattered and will always be cherished. If you feel comfortable, please share your baby's name in the comments so we can remember them alongside you. Sending you extra love this month, and as always, I am here to listen and offer support.

09/27/2024

According to the Oxford Dictionary the definition of the word bloom is to "come into or be in full beauty or health; to flourish." I believe that this personifies my goals each client at Bloom Mental Health and Wellness. The journey of a flower blooming closely mirrors the path of personal growth and transformation. Allow me to elaborate.

Just as every flower is unique, so is each individual. Flowers require water, sunlight, and nutrient-rich soil to thrive, much like how humans need encouragement and support from others on their growth journey. The transformation from seed to flower is a gradual process that takes time. To an observer, the unseen work occurring beneath the surface can be imperceptible, yet it is essential in creating that stunning bloom. I believe our growth follows a similar pattern; much of it is internal and gradual, but with time, the transformation can be truly remarkable.

09/20/2024

Sleep and mental health are directly related. When sleep is lacking it can impact mental health. Additionally, when you are experiencing mental health conditions it can decrease your sleep quality. Here are a few of my favorite remedies for sleep that are not a prescription medication:

1) Magnesium glycinate or bisglycinate supplement 300-400 mg at night about 30-60 minutes before bed.
2) Meditation apps like Better Sleep, Headway, or MamaZen. These help not only help you drift off to sleep faster, they also may improve your mood and decrease anxiety by relaxing your nervous system.
3) Exercise regularly.
4) Engage in a relaxing activity an hour before bedtime. no working, doing chores, or answering emails.
5) Develop a predictable bedtime routine (washing face, brushing teeth, reading
etc) to serve as a cue that it is bedtime
6) Refrain from drinking caffeinated beverages after noon or using alcohol as a sleep aide (alcohol can make sleep worse).

These are just a few tips to get you started. There are many more if you are interested. Start by picking one or two and try implementing them and see how it improves your sleep.

09/17/2024

Did you know that pregnant women with a history of depression who stop or decrease their antidepressant during pregnancy have a relapse rate (experience depression) of 75% (Hall & Steiner, 2013).

If you are on mental health medications and become pregnant, it's crucial to consult with a provider who specializes in perinatal psychiatry. They can help you evaluate the risks and benefits of continuing your medication during pregnancy before making any changes. Ideally, if you are planning a pregnancy while taking mental health medications, I suggest meeting with your provider beforehand to create a proactive plan.

08/12/2024

08/12/2024

Hi There, I’m Briana, a dual Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse-Midwife based in Sioux Falls, SD. I support women’s mental health needs through all life stages including adulthood, pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, and beyond. Common mental health conditions I treat include anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and mental health disorders that occur during pregnancy and immediately postpartum.

I have a special interest in working with women experiencing infertility or pregnancy loss. My goal is for patient’s to reach their full potential and live their best life possible. I want everyone to leave their appointments with me feeling like they were heard, supported, encouraged, and included in their treatment plan.

I am a South Dakotan born and raised on the farm. By trade, I’m a nurse with a graduate education that allows me to prescribe medication with integrated therapy. I have experience working with women as a labor and delivery nurse and a Certified Nurse-Midwife. I have also served as a Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Sioux Falls.

During my work as a Certified Nurse-Midwife I supported women through primary care visits, pregnancy visits, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. It became apparent to me that there is a gap in the system for mental health care that is both individualized and accessible to women leading me to complete education to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through South Dakota State University. I continually attend training in the women’s mental health specialty and have obtained Perinatal Mental Health Certification from Postpartum Support International to best serve those I care for.

I am a mother myself to two beautiful girls on earth and two babies in heaven. I have experienced infertility and pregnancy loss first hand, which allows me to provide empathy and non-judgmental support to you as a patient, no matter what you are going through. I bring both my personal and professional experience, knowledge, and evidence-based practice to my patients.

In the first visit we will begin with a warm and non-judgmental dialogue that focuses on getting to know you and developing a comprehensive treatment plan. Treatment plans may include psychiatric medication and/or pharmacologic complementary approaches. In most cases I will be collaborating with other professionals that are caring for you. We will continue with your treatment plan in follow-up visits, always reassessing your goals, and progress towards your personal healing.