ShaRhonda Donald, DNP, PMHNP-BC, MSN, ADHD-CCSP

I am the first in my family to attend and graduate from college, a proud first-generation achiever, and the oldest of three siblings. Both triumph and heartbreak have marked my journey. In November 2018, I lost my younger brother to suicide when he was just 15 years old—a devastating experience that forever shaped my perspective on mental health. Then, on July 14th, 2022, I gave birth to my first son, which should have been filled with joy but instead brought an emotional storm I was unprepared for.

Though I had heard of postpartum depression, the reality of living it was overwhelming. Every day I battled constant tears, isolation, exhaustion, and an overwhelming sense of inadequacy. It was like I was drowning, and despite my professional and academic achievements, I felt incapable of being the mother I longed to be. My struggles led me to take a year off work, but upon my return, my job was no longer available. Instead of support, I was met with confusion, forced into interviews for new positions at a company I was already employed by, and placed on unpaid leave. This left me unable to pay my bills, resulting in delinquency on my obligations, which plummeted my credit score, which has been hard to recover from.

I felt broken. The job I had worked so hard for failed me, and I realized how many other women must be facing similar challenges—lacking resources, support, and knowledge about postpartum depression while trying to navigate their careers and families. That was the moment I decided to start my own business.

Hydrate Your Happy was born from my desire to ensure that no woman feels unsupported or alone during her postpartum journey. I want to provide the resources, care, and empowerment that I wish I had during my darkest times so that every mother can heal—inside and out—without the weight of her responsibilities holding her back.