“Sometimes I feel like being me takes up too much energy.” - me, 20 years ago. In 2001, I started documenting my journey with what we then called “manic depressive illness," after being unable to return to college with my friends due to my instability and frequent med changes. I forgot about the following journal … Continue reading A Glimpse into the Mental Illness Memory Vault
Postpartum depression is a tricky subject. While on one hand, there seems to be a greater awareness of what it is and how to find support, it still carries a bit of a stigma and there are many misconceptions. For that reason, I don't approach the topic lightly. Like all mental health issues, there is … Continue reading Changing the Conversation on Postpartum Depression
Happy New Year! I woke up with a pep in my step today, not so much because it's a new year, but because December is OVER. Historically, the month of December is rough on my mood and this year was no exception. Too much activity, too much planning, too much sugar and alcohol always puts … Continue reading Spicy Black Eyed Peas with Bacon and Bone Broth
How does someone with an active mental illness get through 2020? My first response is, "I have no idea." But that's not true. In reality, I've spent years prepping for 2020. I've spent years restoring my body and brain through a variety of therapies because I know that I can't guarantee smooth sailing in every … Continue reading What Kept Me From a Breakdown in 2020
A survey from the CDC in June reported that since March, 25% of young adults ages 18-25 had seriously considered suicide since the start of the pandemic. The number for adults ages 26-44 was was 16%. This is NOT okay. We have a problem. Correction: we have HAD a problem with mental health concerns, but … Continue reading My Top 3 Brain Health Books in the Last 3 Months
Are there alternatives to medication for mental illness? Is there a way to avoid all the long-term side effects? What other tools can we utilize to help balance our neurotransmitters naturally? In this interview with Dr. Josh Friedman, we take a deep dive into neurotransmitters and how to optimize them for mental wellness, via food … Continue reading How to Create Natural Neurotransmitter Balance for Mental Wellness
"People don't make the connection between how they eat and how they feel emotionally through the brain. They don't realize there is a connection to food and the brain and emotional well-being." Dr. Uma Naidoo is a board certified psychiatrist, professional chef, and nutrition specialist. She is the director of Nutritional and Lifestyle Psychiatry at … Continue reading Nutritional Psychiatry: Your Brain on Food
What do you do when your mental health is suffering and nothing you try helps? Are there options beyond the traditional treatment plans? Where can you find support? #SameHere is an organization founded by Eric Kussin after he experienced 2 and a half years of suffering from a mental health crisis that briefly interrupted his … Continue reading Normalizing Mental Health Care with #SameHere
The field of psychiatry is changing as new discoveries about the brain are made. There are many pioneers using evidence-based medicine to seek out different treatments beyond traditional methods and prescription medication. While meds are definitely helpful for some and are one helpful tool in the toolbox, according to Dr. Ranjbar, “we are asking them … Continue reading An Integrative Approach to Mental Health – Interview with Dr. Noshene Ranjbar
I'm so thrilled to share that we have surpassed the ONE MILLION download mark on the Sparking Wholeness podcast! So what better way to celebrate than with an episode featuring an integrative psychiatrist who discusses the mental health impact of COVID-19!? Dr. Amelia Villagomez is an integrative psychiatrist at Progressive Psychiatry in Fort Worth, Texas. … Continue reading The Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 – Interview with Psychiatrist Dr. Amelia Villagomez
