The serotonin theory of depression has been extremely pervasive in how we discuss mental health, though no comprehensive review has ever fully broken down the relevant evidence. At first glance, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) method of keeping serotonin in our synapses longer is pretty revolutionary. But that’s assuming that an issue with serotonin … Continue reading New Research on the Serotonin Theory of Depression – My Takeaways
Category: wellness
To the Mothers Who Are Chain-breakers
My grandma was never told “I love you” growing up. She eloped with her childhood sweetheart when she turned 18, then struggled with infertility for years before she had a procedure done that allowed her to give birth to my uncle, then my mom. She wasn’t a perfect mom, but she began to break the … Continue reading To the Mothers Who Are Chain-breakers
Stop Using Exercise to Punish Your Body; Use It to Connect WITH Your Body
Beyond the brain health benefits, beyond the physical health benefits, moving your body is a way to intentionally connect to it and create space for safety and healing and growth. When you have trauma of any kind, when you have body image issues or a history of disordered eating or disordered exercise behaviors, when you … Continue reading Stop Using Exercise to Punish Your Body; Use It to Connect WITH Your Body
Mental Health Awareness Month: What it Means to Be a Survivor
Someone recently asked me, "What do you mean when you say you are a survivor of bipolar disorder?" I paused for a second. What does it mean? I ended up responding with this, “I no longer exhibit the symptoms of bipolar disorder.“ I’ve been thinking about this conversation ever since. Does not exhibiting symptoms of … Continue reading Mental Health Awareness Month: What it Means to Be a Survivor
Yes, You Are Swimsuit Ready!
A few days ago, as I was getting ready for the day, my youngest child, who’s five, squeezed my belly and asked me why my skin is different than his. He compared by attempting to squeeze skin from his belly, which obviously didn’t happen. So I told him how my skin is more stretchy and … Continue reading Yes, You Are Swimsuit Ready!
It’s Not Either/Or; It’s Both/And
I started my website four years ago because I wanted to share my story of surviving mental illness, and I wanted to give hope for healing for those that are continuing to struggle with errors. I wanted to share how it isn't just chemicals in the brain, how it isn't just in your head, and … Continue reading It’s Not Either/Or; It’s Both/And
Five Things I Do For My Mental Health Every Day
While I was officially given a mental illness diagnosis over 22 years ago, I struggled long before that. That means I’ve spent most of my life battling my brain. These five things help me manage my symptoms and keep me checking in with myself. When I’m feeling off, I check in and ask myself how … Continue reading Five Things I Do For My Mental Health Every Day
Why I’m Not Bipolar – and Neither Is Anyone Else
22 years ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder (or manic depressive illness, as they called it back then) based on a set of symptoms, according to the DSM and failure to respond well to SSRI medication. My identity is not in my diagnosis, and neither is yours. Imagine if we also said, "I am … Continue reading Why I’m Not Bipolar – and Neither Is Anyone Else
75 Hard? That’s a Hard Pass… And Here’s Why
To all my hard-working, go-getting, goal-digging female friends: Oh, how I wish I could sit you down and tell you how amazing you are and how hard your body works for you to keep you alive. How I wish you could truly see yourself the way I do. I would tell you to take a … Continue reading 75 Hard? That’s a Hard Pass… And Here’s Why
How to Stop Dieting in 2022
2021 was a year of emotional upheaval for me, and I know I’m not alone. Aside from the division and tension caused by a certain virus and all the politics (unfortunately) intertwined with it, our family went through a major transition. My husband made a career change and we moved cities to follow our dreams. … Continue reading How to Stop Dieting in 2022