Mental Health and Chronic Illness: Insights from Ashley Schuetz, CRNP

In this episode of 'Let's Talk about the POTS Life,' the hosts welcome Ashley Schuetz, a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Ashley shares her journey from cosmetology to the medical field and her extensive experience working in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. The discussion dives into the intersections of mental health and chronic illness, particularly POTS, emphasizing the importance of validating symptoms, the struggles of navigating multiple diagnoses, and the crucial role of community and support. The conversation also highlights the increase in diagnoses of ADHD, OCD, and anxiety, especially post-COVID, and provides advice for parents on advocating for their children's health. Tune in for valuable insights on managing chronic illnesses and mental health holistically.

00:00 Introduction to the POTS Life Podcast

00:23 Meet Our Guest: Ashley Schuetz, CRNP

00:59 Ashley's Journey into Nursing

02:55 Mental Health and COVID-19

04:45 Challenges in Diagnosing Chronic Illnesses

06:53 Supporting Children with Chronic Illnesses

08:09 The Importance of Validation and Advocacy

10:54 Navigating the Medical System

16:39 The Role of Community and Support

19:30 Post-COVID Mental Health Trends

21:41 Understanding OCD and ADHD Symptoms

22:21 The Importance of Treating Symptoms, Not Diagnoses

22:44 The Impact of Mental Health on Daily Life

23:36 The Role of Therapy and Medication

25:24 Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health

26:30 The Necessity of Mental Health Professionals

28:07 The Benefits of Comprehensive Care

31:08 Specialized Care for Students

33:47 Raising Awareness About POTS

35:19 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley Schuetz, CRNP | Fine Tune Psychiatry

Psychiatric Care for Children, Teens & Adults | Fine Tune Psychiatry

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