Behind The Joy: Maternal Mental Health Screening & Panel at Stony Brook

Date: Friday, November 21
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Mart Auditorium, Stony Brook University Hospital, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY 11794
Cost: Free with RSVP
RSVP Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/behind-the-joy-maternal-mental-health-screening-panel-at-stony-brook-tickets-1717105040399?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join Stony Brook University for a special screening of Behind The Joy, the international award-winning film about postpartum mental health that has been recognized across the country for sparking critical conversations around maternal well-being, stigma, and support for families. This powerful event features The Postpartum Diaries Live Panel, bringing together leading maternal health professionals for an in-depth discussion on Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), community resources, and pathways to healing.

This event is free to attend with RSVP and open to families, healthcare providers, students, birth professionals, and community members.

Run of Show

5:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Networking, Check-In & Resource Tables

• Attendee check-in and networking
• Maternal health organizations, doulas, mental health professionals, and resource providers
• Light refreshments
• Film trailer screening in the auditorium

6:00 PM – 6:45 PM | Live Panel: Understanding PMADs
Moderated by Natasha Hylton, WCC, Doula, RN, Founder of She Thrives Here
Panelists will explore postpartum depression, maternal mental health disparities, early signs, treatment options, and community-based solutions.

Featured Panelists:

• Heather Findletar Hines, DNP, CNM – Director of Doula Partnership & One Love Midwifery, PLLC
• Ellen Higgins, LCSW – Director, Perinatal Health Services, Suffolk County Department of Health / PICHC Program
• Tania Alicea, CNM, IBCLC – Stony Brook Medicine
• Rakiya Watts, CNM, MS – Midwifery Director, Stony Brook Medicine

6:45 PM – 7:45 PM | Film Screening: Behind The Joy
Experience the award-winning film that follows a family navigating the emotional and psychological challenges of postpartum depression.

7:45 PM – 8:00 PM | Post-Film Q&A and Closing Remarks

• Live Q&A with the director and select cast members
• Final reflections on maternal mental health support in our communities

About the Film

Behind The Joy is an award-winning feature film that explores the unseen struggles of postpartum mental health. It has been screened in medical institutions, universities, correctional facilities, and community centers nationwide. The film is being used as a tool to drive policy discussions, provider training, and grassroots mobilization around maternal health.

Why Attend

• Learn from leading experts in maternal health
• Connect with local resources and professionals
• Gain insight into postpartum mental health challenges impacting families in Suffolk County and beyond
• Engage in an important community dialogue on solutions and support

Admission is free, but RSVP is required to reserve your seat.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/behind-the-joy-maternal-mental-health-screening-panel-at-stony-brook-tickets-1717105040399?aff=oddtdtcreator