The topic of psychiatric medications doing harm continues to be ‘taboo’ in the mainstream media which is why I was surprised, in a good way, to see the New York Times write a front-page article (that appeared on-line on Sunday August 28, 2022) titled “This Teen Was Prescribed 10 Psychiatric Drugs. She’s Not Alone: Increasing, anxious and depressed teens are using multiple, powerful psychiatric drugs, many of them untested in adolescents or for use in tandem” by Matt Richtel. He weaves in stories from several people who were prescribed a ‘cascade’ of pharmaceutical combinations as teenagers along with statistics and evidence around the increase in psychiatric medication prescribed for adolescents and teenagers even though they have not been formally approved by the FDA for this age group.

Listening and social engagement can soften someone who is being defensive or has PTSD. It is usually because they are engaged in ‘fight or flight’ and they can’t just turn it off by themselves. They need connection to another human who cares about them, who really listens to them, lets them know they are heard, validates what they are feeling and saying.

How are we suppose to cope with all the feels and stress from the uncertainties and challenges that surround us everyday? Most people internally disconnect from intense feelings by denying them, distracting with eating, working, or binge-watching. Or others disconnect by numbing them with alcohol or other substances. Now is the best time to learn how to cope.

This delicious potato salad was the star of many 4th of July parties over the past twenty years. The recipe balances the vinegar with a small amount of coconut cream and the added celery and carrots add some crunch. And your microbiome will love the resistant starch and fiber.

Mental health symptoms like feeling depressed, anxious, hopeless, worried, overwhelmed, stuck and/or tired have a multitude of probable causes. These causes can be worked through with help from a variety of professionals over a period of time and can negate the need for long-term psychiatric medication.

We now understand the importance of a whole-body approach to mental health in order to achieve sustainable mental and emotional wellness. In this article we cover how to heal and strengthen the mind gut connection.