CLEANING UP YOUR MENTAL MESS with Dr. Caroline Leaf

Get a free Cleaning up your Mental Mess workbook when you sign up for my weekly newsletter at drleaf.comEarly bird tickets on sale now for my 2021 Mental Health Retreat: https://www.drleafconference.comSHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk about identity and its relationship to mental health, and how our environment shapes and impacts our individuality. I decided to do this episode in response to the many messages and emails I get from people who are struggling with low self-esteem—people who feel that their identity has been crushed or stolen by the challenges they have faced.Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/a-5-step-neurocycle-to-manage-low-self-esteem-how-to-find-your-identity-again-after-a-crisis-or-challengeOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-Athletic Greens (my fav daily all-in-one superfood powder that tastes great!): Get one year free supply of vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your order see: athleticgreens.com/LEAF.-Feetures (the BEST socks): Get $10 Off Your First Pair of Feetures when you go to feetures.com/DRLEAF.-Framebridge: Go to Framebridge.com and use promo code DRLEAF you’ll save an additional 15% off your first order.-NOOM: For your more info see: noom.com/DRLEAF.PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:2:30 What is identity?6:10 How our environment can impact our identity7:20 Perfectionism and identity8:15 How our experiences can shape how we see ourselves and the world11:00 How an identity crisis can impact your mental wellbeing19:05 An enhancement versus a competitive mindset: which is better?21:00 How to manage envy and jealousy24:00 Signs of an identity crisis24:27 Identity and social media25:20 No one else can do what you can do—no one thinks, feels or chooses like you do28:30 Nature v. nurture28:50 What is your I-factor?44:25 Why identity is not a fixed thing—it is a process49:30 How to mind-manage an identity crisis and do an “identity check”Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747Follow me on social media for daily mental health tips & strategies:-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get a free Cleaning up your Mental Mess workbook when you sign up for my weekly newsletter at drleaf.comEarly bird tickets on sale now for my 2021 Mental Health Retreat: https://www.drleafconference.comSHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I speak with Poppy Jamie, founder of Happy Not Perfect, a popular podcast and meditation app for anxiety. We discuss everything from understanding anxiety and the importance of self-compassion to the link between mind, brain and body, how to own and manage panic attacks and anxiety, and how to unwire perfectionism once and for all! Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/unwiring-perfectionism-how-flexible-thinking-can-help-reduce-anxiety-stress-with-poppy-jamieGet Poppy's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Not-Perfect-Challenge-Thoughts-ebook/dp/B089S7JGFHFollow her on Instagram: @poppyjamieOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-BetterHelp (the best online therapy app): get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com/drleaf-Boll & Branch, a fair-trade company that knows high-quality sleep doesn’t stop at your mattress: Get an exclusive 15% off your first set of sheets with promo code DRLEAF at bollandbranch.com-NED (the CBD company I highly recommend): Get 15% off your first order and free shipping visit helloned.com/drleaf or use the code DRLEAF at checkout.PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:4:00, 35:00 The difference between flexible & stiff thinking11:40 Why we should never compare our traumas to other people’s mental health struggles13:30 The importance of acknowledging, not suppressing, how you feel14:50 Why you should give yourself permission to have a “recovery day/week/month” after small & big stressors15:42 The dangers of perfectionism16:30 Why Poppy wrote her book Happy Not Perfect17:00 Why Meditation doesn’t work for everyone20:50 The dangers of black & white thinking28:55 Why need to examine & challenge our core beliefs38:30 Why we should be changing!39:40 The importance of connection, curiosity, choice & commitment48:00 Choosing between fear & loveGet my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747Follow me on social media for daily mental health tips & strategies:-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get a free Cleaning up your Mental Mess workbook when you sign up for my weekly newsletter at drleaf.comSHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk all about anxiety, surprising reasons you may be anxious, some of my top tips to reduce anxiety, and how to use the 5 step Neurocycle to manage daily anxiety. Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/surprising-reasons-you-may-be-anxious-how-to-use-the-neurocycle-to-manage-reduce-anxietyOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-InsideTracker: Get up to 25% off their entire store at Insidetracker.com/DRLEAF.-LMNT: Get a free LMNT Sample Pack—you only have to cover the cost of shipping (which is just $5 for US customers)! For more information and to claim your free offer visit: http://drinklmnt.com/Leaf.-Reliefband, the #1 FDA-Cleared anti-nausea wristband: To get 20% off your Reliefband order and free shipping, go to reliefband.com and use promo code DRLEAF-Public Goods, my one-stop shop for sustainable, high quality everyday essentials made from clean ingredients at an affordable price: Receive $15 off your first Public Goods order with NO MINIMUM purchase. PLUS right now, receive your choice of either a free pack of bamboo straws or reusable food storage wraps with your order. Just go to publicgoods.com/DRLEAF or use code DRLEAF at checkout.PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:1:30 Common anxiety issues many people face2:50, 5:25 Anxiety is a normal human response, not an incurable brain disease4:20 How unmanaged anxiety can affect our mental & physical health5:50 Anxiety as a description, not a label or identity6:15 Why we need to become thought detectives when we feel anxious6:30 Anxiety is a warning signal that we need to listen to7:35 How our experiences are built into our brain and body13:00, 21:00 How to use mind-management to deal with anxiety in the moment17:40 How to manage PTSD-related anxiety27:00 The cause of your anxiety is in your narrative, or what happened to you, not just in your brain27:40 How seeing your anxiety as a messenger gives you a sense of agency29:30 How to manage COVID-related anxietyGet my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747Follow me on social media for daily mental health tips & strategies:-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/healing-depression-burnout-with-michelle-williams-how-to-help-a-child-struggling-with-depressionGet my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747Get a free Cleaning up your Mental Mess workbook when you sign up for my weekly newsletter at drleaf.com SHOW DESCRIPTION: I speak to my dear friend and award-winning singer Michelle Williams about her new book Checking In, how she healed from intense depression, signs of depression, and how to help a child who is struggling with depression. Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/healing-depression-burnout-with-michelle-williams-how-to-help-a-child-struggling-with-depressionGet Michelle's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Checking-Getting-about-Depression-Life/dp/1400223334/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1622050624&sr=8-1OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:Amen Clinics: Visit amenclinics.com/drleaf and use the promo code DRLEAF10 to get 10% off your first evaluation.Athletic Greens: Get one year free supply of vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your order see: athleticgreens.com/LEAF.BLUblox, the best light-blocking glasses: Get up to 15% off your BLUblox products use the code DRLEAF at checkout: Blublox.com.Birch Mattresses: Check out Birchliving.com/drleaf. Birch is giving $200 off ALL mattresses and 2 free eco-rest pillows to my listeners!PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:7:00 Why depression will look different for everyone9:40 How parenting styles can be passed down through generations and affect children’s mental health17:45 The importance of giving children affection without conditions20:00 The power of healthy, loving touch28:30 Why forgiveness helps you heal33:28 Michelle’s own mental health struggles36:40 Why we need to give ourselves permission to take the time to check in with ourselves39:22 Why depressed people can look successful and happy on the outside41:00 The danger of negative self-talk48:00 How Michelle manages her own mental health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: Brain building is easy, effective and something everyone can and should be doing every day. It is one of the most powerful resilience-building mental health tools out there, and completely underappreciated in the wellness space. In this podcast I explain how to brain-build, and how to make it a daily habit. Read show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/brain-building-the-missing-key-to-optimal-mental-health-why-we-dont-talk-about-it-often-enough-how-to-brain-build-correctly-how-to-make-it-a-sustainable-daily-habitOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-BiOptimizer’s Cognibiotics:Get up to 40% off your order and free shipping on select packages at cognibiotics.com/drleaf.-Huzzah, the most delicious, low sugar seltzers: Get up to 20% off your order with the code DRLEAF at https://drinkhuzzah.com.-OSEA, a female-founded company that creates the best skincare products: Get 10% off your first order with my promo code LEAF at OSEAmalibu.com.-Ritual (my favorite protein powder and multivitamins): get 10% off during your first 3 months. Just visit https://ritual.com/DRLEAF to add Essential Protein today. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:2:38 Why brain building is one of the most powerful resilience-building mental healthcare tools we have3:18 Why I brain-build every single day4:10 The brain is in love with the mind and the mind is in love with the brain6:00 How brain building helps us detox our mind and build healthy habits6:30 How brain building strengthens the mind and brain11:13 What is brain building?13:50 How brain building can improve our mental and physical wellbeing17:15, 20:40 The brain is constantly changing, and when we use our mind well we can make sure these changes benefit us19:00 The brain is designed to learn and grow19:30 My research on brain building, and why brain building is hopeful20:45 What are memories?23:00, 47:00 Using brain building as a healthy distraction or break28:00 How to brain build37:50 Brain building and neurogenesis39:00 How brain building can improve sleep46:10 How brain building can help you cope when life gets stressful47:45 Brain building helps harness the power of neuroplasticity, and clean the mind and brainADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources -Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleaf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: In this episode Ashley and I discuss how to get unstuck, find the career of your dreams, how to cultivate a good relationship with failure and more! Get Ashley's book here: https://ashleystahl.com/you-turn/Read the show blog: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-to-discover-your-direction-design-your-dream-career-get-unstuck-with-former-pentagon-counterterrorism-professional-world-famous-coach-ashley-stahlOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:Thrive Market: Go to thrivemarket.com/DRLEAF and you’ll get up to $20 off your first order and a FREE gift!NED: To get 15% off your first order and free shipping visit helloned.com/drleaf or use the code DRLEAF at checkout.Ancient Nutrition: Go to ancientnutrition.com and use the code DRLEAF at checkout to get up to 20% off your first order!PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:1:27 How Ashley went from counter-terrorism to career coaching3:20 How 9/11 impacted Ashley’s career path4:50 The myth of choosing one passion or career path9:00 Why life, and your career, is a number’s game10:10 There is no one, quick or easy way to discover your passion—it is a learning process12:42 Why it can be scary to change your career14:00 Why you should do what you are, not just what you love25:00 The power of harnessing and growing your core skill set30:00 Why the how and the what matters when it comes to pursuing a career38:00 The power of self-honesty44:00 How Ashley manages her mental healthADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources Follow me on social media for daily mental health tips & strategies:-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I talk about the neuroscience behind crying and how crying can be very beneficial both mentally and physically, especially when it comes to stress reduction, and more!Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-we-should-all-cry-more-the-mental-physical-health-benefits-of-crying-is-there-a-right-way-to-cryOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-Best Fiends, a great match 3 puzzle game that helps relieve stress and build your mind! Download Best Fiends today for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play.-Daily Harvest: Go to daily-harvest.com and enter promo code DRLEAF to get $25 off your first box!-Feetures: They are so confident that you’ll love their socks that they’ve also given listeners of Cleaning Up The Mental Mess $10 Off Your First Pair of Feetures when you go to feetures.com/DRLEAF-NOOM: For your special offer see: noom.com/DRLEAFPODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:1:00 Why crying is not a sign of weakness1:20 Crying is a complex human behavior with a myriad of mental and physical effects2:11 How our thoughts, emotions and experiences change our brains3:01 Why we need to express, not suppress, our emotions3:32 How crying can help us manage toxic thoughts and emotions3:45 Crying is a signal we need to listen to, which is telling us something is going on in our life4:33 How crying relieves emotional pressure in the brain and body10:00 How tears can help us restore balance in the brain and body12:40 Crying can be both a signal and a validating response13:42, 29:00 How to use mind management to examine your emotional responses, including crying, and improve your emotional health15:16 How crying helps us communicate what we feel and what we need17:30 What happens in your brain and body when you cry27:40 Crying is a messenger—listen to what it is telling you!32:00 Why there is no right or wrong way to cryADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources Follow me on social media for daily mental health tips & strategies:-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcastI speak with Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist Dr. Uma Naidoo about the relationship between our diet and mental health, and which foods are best for helping fight anxiety, depression and stress. We also discuss the gut-brain connection, how to treat leaky gut issues, supplements, and more! Show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/podcast-281-a-scientific-guide-on-foods-that-reduce-anxiety-depression-ptsd-with-nutritional-psychiatrist-dr-uma-naidooFor more info on Dr. Uma: https://umanaidoomd.comOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-Four Sigmatic (my fav coffee!): Get up to 40% off + Free Shipping on select bundles. To claim this deal you MUST go to Foursigmatic.com/DRLEAF.-Amen Clinics: Visit amenclinics.com/drleaf and use the promo code DRLEAF10 to get 10% off your first evaluation.-Blinkist app: To get your free week on Blinkist AND 25% off your subscription see: https://www.blinkist.com/nc/partners/cleaning-up-the-mental-mess.PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:1:43 What is nutritional psychiatry?4:38, 6:25 This is your brain on food5:16 Why we need to be careful of just labeling certain mental health disorders12:30 The gut-brain romance16:40 Food & seasonal affective disorder17:05 Is the Mediterranean diet good for our brains?20:00 Leaky gut & nutritional psychiatry27:40 How nutrition can empower you & make you feel more in control of your mental health29:00 Supplements & mental health33:20 Dietary fiber, fermented foods & anxiety38:00 Why we need to be careful of quick-fix solutions39:00 Insomnia & nutritional psychiatry41:30 How we can help manage PTSD & ADHD using certain foodsADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources. -Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I answer another question from a listener on toxic relationships and trauma bonds. Trauma bonds are chains that link a victim to someone who is dangerous to them within the confines of an exploitive relationship. Divorce, employee relations, child abuse, family and marital systems, domestic violence, kidnapping, exploitation and religious abuse can all be areas of trauma bonding. All these relationships share one thing: “they are situations of incredible intensity or importance where there is an exploitation of trust or power”.Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/trauma-bonding-toxic-emotional-attachment-how-to-know-when-to-stay-when-to-go-how-to-find-healing-freedomOFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-BiOptimizers Magnesium: For an exclusive offer for my listeners go to http://www.magbreakthrough.com/leaf and use DRLEAF10 during checkout to save 10% on your order.-Framebridge (frame your photos, keepsakes or artwork, or send someone the perfect gift!): Go to Framebridge.com and use the promo code DRLEAF to save an additional 15% off your first order.-MeUndies: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping at meundies.com/DRLEAF.-PlushCare, a company that makes it easy and simple to find a health professional in your area, which I love, especially with my busy lifestyle! Start your membership today. Go to https://plushcare.com/drleaf/ to start your FREE 30-day trial.PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:2:05 What a trauma bond is4:20 Trauma bonding and exploitation9:00, 33:40 Gaslighting and other relationship warning signs11:02, 29:00 Why we can never “fix” someone else14:00 Why boundaries are so important in a relationship14:24 Sometimes ending a relationship may be the best thing for both people19:00 How a trauma bond can impact your health24:50 How to help someone who doesn’t want to change while putting up boundaries35:15 Why trauma bonds are so confusing36:45 How relationships change your mind, brain and bond44:00 How to use mind management to heal trauma from toxic relationships51:05 Tips to help heal a trauma bondADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources Follow me on social media for daily mental health tips & strategies:-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/--Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.comDownload my new and improved brain detox app here: https://neurocycle.appSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I speak with Jason Reid, founder of the Choose Life foundation and creator of Tell My Story, about his own experience as a grieving father, how to get help if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, how to recognize the signs if someone in your life is struggling, what we can do to help our loved ones who are going through a difficult time, and more.Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/a-father-s-journey-to-understand-heal-after-his-child-s-suicide-signs-someone-may-be-suicidal-how-to-helpIf you are feeling suicidal, contact the US national suicide prevention hotline: 1-800-273-8255.The teen suicide prevention hotline in the US is: 1-800-TLC-TEEN (852-8336) between 6-10pm PST. You can also text TEEN to 839863 between 6-9pm PST.OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-Athletic Greens: To get one year free supply of vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your order see: athleticgreens.com/LEAF.-BLUblox: Get up to 15% off your BLUblox products use the code DRLEAF at checkout: Blublox.com.-NED: Get 15% off your first order and free shipping visit helloned.com/drleaf or use the code DRLEAF at checkout.PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: 2:02 Jason’s story and why he started the Choose Life foundation3:50 Why we need to constantly ask our children how they are doing mentally, not just physically5:30 How the COVID pandemic has changed the mental health landscape7:40 Why we should learn how to talk to our children about our own struggles and vulnerabilities, not just shield them from what we are going through11:45 The importance of letting your child know it is okay to be depressed or struggle mentally15:50 How our experiences are built into the brain and affect us mentally and physically24:30 How to help your child if they are struggling39:50 Social media, technology and teen mental healthVisit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.