This month, I’m taking a break from the regular podcast content to bring episodes focused on bringing awareness to all the tools that support our mental health. Contrary to what the media may tell you, you can change your brain. You can heal from mental illness. You can access resources beyond medication and more sleep, and many of those resources are free, like these episodes.
In Episode 135, I share my story of overcoming PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder in a way I haven’t shared before.
Key Topics:
- The growing epidemic of mental health issues in teens
- The root causes to my own mental health issues and how I struggled to find treatment that supported my mental well-being
- The medication weaning process and how I was able to get off medication I had been on for 18 years
- The tools I used to support healing and how I continue to prioritize my mental health to prevent recurring issues
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In Episode 136, I bring on a very special guest… my husband, Licensed Professional Counselor Richard Kerry. Not only is he an expert on people, but he himself has struggled with episodes of depression. We share tools for supporting a spouse or partner who struggles with mental illness, whether diagnosed or not. We break down what it is like to learn of a partner’s diagnosis, how to support that person without being codependent, and how to improve communication.
Key Topics:
- How Richard found out Erin had bipolar disorder and how the symptoms showed up in their early married life
- The times when Richard experienced depression, and how Erin supported him the last few years
- Signs to look out for to know your partner is struggling
- How to approach mental health when parenting together
- A practical activity to create vulnerability and trust in your relationship
In Episode 137, I devote the entire episode to how our microbes modulate our mood. Understanding the gut-brain axis is crucial to advocating for our mental health. I tackle the latest research in this growing field, based on dozens of published studies and publications, in order to give a comprehensive overview of how the gut and brain “talk” to each other, and how to support our mental health even better!
Key Topics:
- The five myths of mental health that were believed for years (and some still perpetuated today)
- What the “gut” is and how it’s connected to the brain
- How neurotransmitters play a role in the gut-brain connection
- How the food we consume directly contributes to neurotransmitters we create
- What is enhanced intestinal permeability and why it’s contributing to mental health issues
- What to do to improve your gut-brain connection
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If you are new to the podcast, or you’re ready to advocate for yourself on a deeper level, this is a great place to start. You are never stuck with the brain you have.
Sparking Wholeness with Erin Kerry 