S2.E14: Pan-Depression. Conquering the Mental Health Pandemic (Part 1)

We are in the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the undercurrents of all the surges, a new pandemic of mental health challenges and trauma is emerging. Some say we don't actually have a word for it yet. We discuss the challenges that Gen Z particularly is facing with isolation, anxiety, depression, and uncertainty with two ambitious women who are college students and the founders of Beyond Cancer. Our guests include Kaamya M.K. and Sahana Lothumalla. Kaamya is a sophomore Pre-Law student at Southern Methodist University studying Finance and Human Rights on the Public Policy track. She is also a member of the Healthcare and Human Rights Committee. Sahana is a premedical student studying neuroscience at the University of Michigan. The field of oncology fascinates her and Beyond Cancer is her avenue of deepening my knowledge as a student and raising awareness to her community as a teacher.

If you or a loved one is experiencing mental health issues, suicidal thoughts or substance abuse disorders, please reach out to your caregiver or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline here: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helplineSAMHSA. SAHMHSA is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

Support our mission through our fundraiser at GoFundMe! We need your support as we are in the process of becoming a nonprofit and increasing our reach to serve women and underprivileged populations in their STEM career journeys! Also, check out our newest offering - The Wisest Children on YouTube! Our young scientists are making science accessible and fun for anyone to try at home through some STEM activities for kids!

WISEcast is featured as the Top 45 Women in STEM Podcasts by Feedspot! Help keep our momentum going and visit our website thewisestwomen.com, and follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn. For information regarding sponsorship, send us an email at communityengagement@thewisestwomen.com. Sound engineering for this episode is by Rachit Taneja (email: rachittaneja@gmail.com).