

CLEANING UP YOUR MENTAL MESS with Dr. Caroline Leaf
Dr. Caroline Leaf
Hi! I’m Dr. Caroline Leaf. I’m a cognitive neuroscientist, author, & mental health expert. Whether you are struggling in your personal life or simply want to learn how to understand and use your mind to live your best life, this podcast will provide you with practical & scientific tips and tools to help you take back control over your mental, emotional, and physical health. Visit: https://drleaf.com*DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your personal physician if you have any personal medical questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 23, 2020 • 57min
How These Mushrooms & Adaptogens Can Help Grow Brain Cells, Reduce Anxiety, and Fight off Depression (with Four Sigmatic Founder Tero Isokauppila)
***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: When many of us think of mushrooms, we either think of the ones we cook with, the ones people use to get “high” or the ones that are very dangerous. But did you know that certain mushrooms are superfoods that can boost your mental and physical health? In this podcast I speak with Tero, a health and wellness expert and founder and CEO of Four Sigmatic (a company that creates everyday health products to upgrade your daily routine), about why mushrooms are good for our moods, minds, and mental health, what adaptogens are and how to use them, how superfoods like mushrooms can improve our physical health and help us deal with stress, common myths about mushrooms, simple ways to upgrade your daily health routine and more!For more info on Tero & Four Sigmatic: https://us.foursigmatic.com/Read the show blog: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-these-mushrooms-adaptogens-can-help-grow-brain-cells-reduce-anxiety-and-fight-off-depression-with-four-sigmatic-founder-tero-isokauppila**Special offer's from our sponsors:-Ritual (My favorite multivitamin—simple, clean, and backed by science!): To get 10% off your first three months of Ritual multivitamins see: ritual/drleaf-Organifi (A company that creates superfood products that taste amazing and are good for you!): Get 15% off your order of Organifi Red Juice today with code DRLEAF. Just visit organifi.com/drleaf and use code DRLEAF at checkout.5:15 How do foods like cacao and medicinal mushrooms improve our mental health?13:53 How our digestive health impacts our mood15:00 Why a healthy skincare routine is so important for our mental and physical wellbeing20:00 Simple ways to upgrade your daily health routine and reduce anxiety and stress24:10 How certain mushrooms can help with brain growth, depression, anxiety and stress40:56 Common myths about mushrooms41:47 What are adaptogens and why are they good for our mental health?45:33 How to handle stress and anxiety while running your own business52:00 Why we need to be careful of the wellness industry-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources, tips, and tools to help you improve and heal your mental health! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 21, 2020 • 1h 17min
How to train your mind to fight off anxiety, depression & viruses! (Interview with the legendary Wim Hof)
***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Register for my 2020 Virtual Mental Health Solutions Summit here:https://www.drleafconference.comSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips and strategies! Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747EPISODE DESCRIPTION: If anything, this year and the global COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that so much is out of control. Yet there is still reason to hope! Even though we cannot always control what happens to or around us, we can control how we choose to react to the circumstances of life. In this podcast I speak with the incredible “Iceman” Wim Hof about his new book The Wim Hof Method, the power of mind management, how cold exposure and deep breathing can improve our mental and physical health, ways to protect your body against viruses, training the brain to overcome any obstacle, and more!To get Wim's amazing book visit: www.wimhofmethod.comRead the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-to-train-your-mind-to-fight-off-stress-viruses-with-the-legendary-wim-hof**Special offers from our sponsors:-Blinkist (This is one of my favorite ways to pass the time while exercising and build my brain, which improves mental resilience!): To get your free week on Blinkist AND 25% off your subscription see: https://www.blinkist.com/nc/partners/cleaning-up-the-mental-mess-Pique Tea (A great-tasting, toxin-free tea company that will keep you healthy and warm all winter!): Get 5% off your order with the code DRLEAF at checkout at https://www.piquetea.com.Podcast Highlights2:10 Natural ways to access the power to heal within us3:50 The 3 pillars of the Wim Hof Method22:45 How to protect your health from viruses29:48 How deep breathing and mind management can combat depression and anxiety32:14, 50:20 Why racism is a form of bodily stress that affects our health33:22 How deep breathing affects positively impacts our white cell count, which help combat cancer45:50 How deep breathing can make stress work for you and not against you-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just look for Switch on Your Brain in the App Store or Google Play or visit: https://theswitch.app-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources, tips, and tools to help you improve and heal your mental health! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 19, 2020 • 1h
Why we need to change how we move, eat, sleep, and connect based on each season for optimal mental, brain, and physical health (Interview with Whole30 co-founder Dallas Hartwig)
***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Register for my 2020 Virtual Mental Health Solutions Summit here:https://www.drleafconference.comSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips and strategies! Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747EPISODE DESCRIPTION: We love celebrating the different seasons, whether it’s the coziness of fall and the anticipation of those winter holidays, or the excitement of summertime and backyard get togethers with loved ones. But did you know that your mental and physical wellbeing is also seasonal? In this podcast I speak with Whole30 co-founder and N.Y. Times bestselling author Dallas Hartwig about the importance of living seasonally, tips to exercise, sleep and eat better, the importance of listening to your body, why having a purpose is so important for your mental and physical health, and more!For more info on Dallas and to get his book visit: https://dallashartwig.comRead the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-we-need-to-change-how-we-move-eat-sleep-and-connect-based-on-each-season-for-optimal-mental-brain-and-physical-health-interview-with-whole-30-co-founder-dallas-hartwig**Special offers from this episode's sponsors:-Thryve Gut Health (An amazing company that tests your unique microbiome and formulates custom probiotics that keep your gut and mind healthy!): Get 10% off your at-home test kit with the code DRLEAF at checkout. See the link for more information-BiOptimizers (The best digestive enzymes, which help keep my brain and gut happy and healthy!): Use code DRLEAF10 for 10% off any order, and save up to 48% off select packages: www.bioptimizers.com/drleafPodcast Highlights3:29 How seasonal living can improve our mental and physical health9:44 Why too much artificial light negatively affects our wellbeing15:40 How to learn how to listen to your body’s needs17:11 The 4 keys of seasonal living32:00 The difference between cravings and longing33:02 How has modern life disrupted our biology?37:00 How the seasons affect our hormones41:29 Tips to live more seasonally and improve your health48:50 Seasonal depression, mental illness and the modern world54:00 The importance of rest for your mental healthAdditional Resources:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just look for Switch on Your Brain in the App Store or Google Play or visit: https://theswitch.app-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources, tips, and tools to help you improve and heal your mental health!-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.

Oct 16, 2020 • 1h 1min
Healing body dysmorphia & ending self-blame + trauma recovery strategies with Dr. Ebony Butler
***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Register for my 2020 Virtual Mental Health Solutions Summit here:https://www.drleafconference.comSign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips and strategies! Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: Whether we are talking about our relationship with ourselves or our relationship with food, it is important that we feel empowered to take charge of our life. In this podcast I speak with psychologist and food relationship strategist Dr. Ebony about toxic diet culture, learning how to improve your relationship with food and yourself, how to overcome power differentials in the therapy room, racial trauma and mental health, dealing with identity issues, healing from PTSD and complex trauma, and more!For more info on Dr. Ebony:Website - drebony.comInstagram - instagram.com/drebonyonlineGet her Therapy Cards - mytherapycards.comRead the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/healing-body-dysmorphia-ending-self-blame-trauma-recovery-strategies-with-dr-ebony-butler**Special offers from our sponsors**-BetterHelp (A great counseling app, making therapy affordable and accessible no matter where you are!): To get 10% offBetterHelp counseling during your first month see: trybetterhelp.com/drleaf-Public Goods (My favorite online store, which has everything you need, from cleaning products to food!): Receive $15 off your first Public Goods order with NO MINIMUM purchase. Just go to publicgoods.com/drleaf or use code DRLEAF at checkout.Podcast Highlights4:30 What is a food relationship strategist?7:35 Tips for improving your relationship with food and your body21:15 What is body dysmorphia, and how to overcome it24:23 How to heal PTSD and major traumas27:11 How to heal racial trauma and overcome self-blame37:00 Why are eating disorders so common in marginalized communities?Additional Resources:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just look for Switch on Your Brain in the App Store or Google Play or visit: https://theswitch.app-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources, tips, and tools to help you improve and heal your mental health!Follow me on social media for daily mental self-care tips!-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.

Oct 14, 2020 • 55min
Debunking the "normal" brain myth, how to make neurodiversity (ADD, dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia) your most valuable asset in school, work, and life + tips for parents with special needs children
***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips and strategies! Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747 EPISODE DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I speak with award-winning journalist and founder of Rebel Talent, Denise Brody, about how to navigate life with dyslexia, sensory differences, ADHD, or any other type of neurodiversity, how to talk to your boss and colleagues about mental health issues, why faking it till you make it is a bad idea, how to raise a kid with special needs, and more!Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/neurodiversityFor more info on Denise click here**Special offers from this episode's sponsors-Feals CBD (the best CBD out there!): To get 50% off your Feals CBD order and free shipping see feals/drleaf. Have questions about CBD? Feals has a free hotline and text message support to help guide your personal experience!-International Justice Mission: For just $45, you can provide trauma-informed therapy that will change a child's life. Head to https://IJM.org/DrLeaf, and help vulnerable children heal by giving the gift of therapy today.Podcast Highlights7:10 The myth of the normal brain, and why embracing our neurodiversity is the key to success at work and in life16:16; 32:16 How to talk to your boss about mental health issues, and the importance of mental health first aid in the office25:45 How to raise a child with special needs45:27 Why faking it till you make it is a bad idea, leading to burnout and other mental health issuesPre-order my new mental self-care tips book here for less 20%: https://drleaf.com/collections/all/products/101-ways-to-be-less-stressed -Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now: https://theswitch.appInstagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 12, 2020 • 1h 8min
Inside the mind of a psychopath + solving the nature vs. nurture debate when it comes to mental illness (Interview with Professor James Fallon)
Register for my 2020 Virtual Mental Health Solutions Summit here:https://www.drleafconference.com **Early bird tickets end October 15Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips and strategies, exclusive offers and more! Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747 (*Only available for U.S numbers at this time)EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Psychopaths: just the word conjures up images of scary, elusive figure intent on doing harm. But is being diagnosed as a psychopath a life sentence? Can they ever change? In this podcast I speak with Dr. James Fallon, neuroscientist, researcher, professor and diagnosed psychopath, about the role of nature versus nurture, getting inside the mind of a psychopath, how early childhood trauma can impact our development, the different kinds of empathy, the power of self-awareness and self-regulation, how to turn your weakness into your greatest strength, and more!For more info on James and to get his book visit: https://www.amazon.com/Psychopath-Inside-Neuroscientists-Personal-Journey/dp/1591846005Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/james-fallon**Special offer's from our sponsors**-Thryve Gut Health (An amazing company that tests your unique microbiome and formulates custom probiotics that keep your gut and mind healthy!): Get 10% off your at-home test kit with the code DRLEAF at checkout. See http://trythryve.com/DRLEAF for more informationPodcast Highlights7:10 How James found out he is a psychopath10:50 How childhood trauma can affect our genes17:30 Why both nature and nurture are important when it comes to our mental health22:30 How psychopaths’ brains are different from “normal” brains29:35 What is a psychopath?39:00 Why we are so fascinated with psychopaths49:45 How a sociopath is different to a psychopath1:02:00 How we can use self-regulation and self-awareness to rewire our brains and overcome negative genetic traitsAdditional Resources:**Pre-order my new mental self-care tips book here for less 20%: https://drleaf.com/collections/all/products/101-ways-to-be-less-stressed -Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just look for Switch on Your Brain in the App Store or Google Play or visit: https://theswitch.appVisit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources, tips, and tools to help you improve and heal your mental health!Follow me on social media for daily mental self-care tips!-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.

Oct 9, 2020 • 45min
The Mental Health Benefits of a Good Argument + Dispelling Common Myths That Could be Sabotaging Your Relationships (with Relationship Expert Monica Berg)
Register for my 2020 Virtual Mental Health Solutions Summit here:https://www.drleafconference.com **Early bird tickets end October 15Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips and strategies, exclusive offers and more! Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747 (*Only available for U.S numbers at this time)EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Relationships can be tough, especially during a global pandemic! Many of us are spending more time than ever before with our partner, while COVID-19 has made it harder to connect with others if we are single and looking for a relationship. Thankfully, whether we are single, in a relationship or somewhere in between, there are things we can do now to attract the kind of love we want in our lives, as I discuss in this podcast interview with bestselling author, speaker and couple’s counselor Monica Berg. We talk about everything you need to know about healthy relationships, including why we need to rethink love, how to attract the kind of love you want, rekindling love in your life, building frameworks for lasting and fulfilling relationships, tips for single people, how to become more comfortable with change, why we need to argue more and how to argue better. For more info on Monica and to get her books visit: https://rethinklife.today/Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/monica-berg**Special offers from this episode's sponsors**-Function of Beauty (the world’s first fully customizable, natural hair care brand that allows you to create hair products based on your individual hair type & goals): Go to functionofbeauty.com/drleaf for 20% off your first order!-BetterHelp (My favorite counseling app, making therapy affordable and accessible no matter where you are!): To get 10% offBetterHelp counseling during your first month see trybetterhelp.com/drleafPodcast highlights:3:00 How to overcome the fear of change7:10 How to stop letting emotions rule your life11:40 Why we need to rethink love, and why the most important relationship you have is with yourself15:55 How to love yourself and overcome shame, fear and guilt19:10 Tips for single people looking for a great relationship20:49 Why you need to be your own personal “baggage claim”, and the danger of going into a relationship waiting for the other person to make you happy23:00 The difference between unconditional and ego-based love, and how to have a successful relationship29:00 How to argue better36:14 The one thing you can do now for a better relationship40:45 Are dating apps good for us?**Pre-order my new mental self-care tips book here for less 20%: https://drleaf.com/collections/all/products/101-ways-to-be-less-stressed-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just visit: https://theswitch.app-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/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.

Oct 7, 2020 • 54min
Schizophrenia: causes, cures, common myths + the true story of one family’s experience with 6 kids diagnosed with schizophrenia (with author Robert Kolker)
Register for my 2020 Virtual Mental Health Solutions Summit here:https://www.drleafconference.com **Early bird tickets end October 15Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips and strategies, exclusive offers and more! Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747 (*Only available for U.S numbers at this time)SHOW DESCRIPTION: Little is known about schizophrenia, even today. There is so much misinformation about this kind of mental distress, it is no wonder many people find it confusing and even frightening. In this podcast I speak with NY Times best-selling author and journalist Bob Kolker about his new book, Hidden Valley Road, and the extraordinary story of the Galvin family and their six sons who were diagnosed with schizophrenia in the 1960s/1970s, why so little is known about this type of mental ill-health, past and current treatment options, how to change the narrative around schizophrenia and mental health, and more! To get Bob's amazing book visit: http://hidden-valley-road.com And follow him on social media: Twitter: @bobkolker Instagram: @bobkolker Facebook: www.facebook.com/bobkolker Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/hidden-valley-road**Special offer's from our episode sponsors**-ThirdLove Bras (If you are like me, you know how hard it is to find a bra that looks and feels good, which is why I love ThirdLove, the most comfortable bra company around!): To get 10% off your ThirdLove Bra order see: https://thirdlove.com/drleaf-BiOptimizers (The best digestive enzymes, which help keep my brain and gut happy and healthy!): Use code DRLEAF10 for 10% off any order, and save up to 48% off select packages: www.bioptimizers.com/drleafPodcast Highlights4:00 Why are we so afraid of schizophrenia?11:10 Schizophrenia: nature vs. nurture? 12:22 Common misconceptions & myths about schizophrenia20:10 Why we need to see mental ill-health not as a diseases that need to be solved, but about stories that need to be heard and understood25:47 The extraordinary story of the Galvins and how the stigma associated with mental ill-health can affect families for generations35:40 How the story of the Galvin family transformed the way we understand mental health struggles, especially schizophrenia46:25 How mental health can affect the whole family, and where we are currently with schizophrenia treatment **Pre-order my new mental self-care tips book here for less 20%: https://drleaf.com/collections/all/products/101-ways-to-be-less-stressed -Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just visit: https://theswitch.appVisit 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/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.

Oct 5, 2020 • 1h
How sound therapy can reduce anxiety & heal chronic pain + the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine for mental & physical health (with Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary)
Register for my 2020 Virtual Mental Health Solutions Summit here:https://www.drleafconference.com **Early bird tickets end October 15Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips and strategies, exclusive offers and more! Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747 (*Only available for U.S numbers at this time)Show Description:In this podcast I speak with integrative neurologist Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary about why modern western medicine is failing to heal people, the difference between a health-based and diseased-based approach to medicine, how Ayurvedic medicine and sound therapy can reduce anxiety and heal chronic pain, and more.For more info on Dr. Kulreet visit:https://drkulreetchaudhary.com/https://www.facebook.com/drkulreetchaudharyhttps://twitter.com/drkchaudharyRead the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-sound-therapy-can-reduce-anxiety-heal-chronic-pain-the-benefits-of-ayurvedic-medicine-for-mental-physical-health-with-dr-kulreet-chaudhary**Special offer's from our sponsors**-Blinkist (This is one of my favorite ways to pass the time while exercising and build my brain, which improves mental resilience!): To get your free week on Blinkist AND 25% off your subscription see: https://www.blinkist.com/nc/partners/cleaning-up-the-mental-mess-Liquid I.V Electrolytes (The quickest and easiest way to stay hydrated, which is an important part of any mental self-care regimen): Get 25% off with code DRLEAF at checkout https://liquid-iv.comPodcast Highlights3:00, 19:05 Why our current medical system is failing us5:28 What Ayurvedic medicine is and how it can help you12:14 How sound therapy can improve your mental and physical wellbeing22:04 How the “sound” of your thinking affects your health, right down to the cellular level30:43 The difference between disease management and a health-based approach to medicine, why **Pre-order my new mental self-care tips book here for less 20%: https://drleaf.com/collections/all/products/101-ways-to-be-less-stressed -Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription: https://theswitch.appVisit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources, tips, and tools.-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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 2, 2020 • 1h 18min
How to find the root issue of your anxiety & depression + everything you need to know about tapering off medication (Interview with psychiatrists Dr. Ellen Vora)
Register for my 2020 Virtual Mental Health Solutions Summit here:https://www.drleafconference.com **Early bird tickets end October 15 Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips and strategies, exclusive offers and more! Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747 (*Only available for U.S numbers at this time) Show Description: Human mental health is infinitely complex. We all battle in different ways, we all struggle, and we all need to learn how to cope, process, feel and experience life’s ups and downs. The fundamental way we do this is by listening to the signals our brain and body send us, like anxiety and depression, and getting to the root of what these mental and physical symptoms are telling us about the imbalance in our life.In this podcast I speak with holistic board-certified psychiatrist, acupuncturist and yoga teacher Dr. Ellen Vora about how it is possible to learn to understand and manage our mental health by embracing these signals and listening to what they have to say, how facing the root of our fears and anxiety helps us find true healing, what a functional medicine approach to mental health looks like, why the current system of mental healthcare needs to change, the relationship between psychotropic medication, withdrawal and mental health, and more!For more info on Dr. Ellen visit: www.ellenvora.com.Follow her on social media: @ellenvoramdRead the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-to-begin-finding-the-root-issue-of-your-anxiety-depression-everything-you-need-to-know-about-tapering-off-medication-with-psychiatrist-dr-ellen-vora **Special offers from this episode's sponsors** -International Justice Mission: For just $45, you can provide trauma-informed therapy that will change a child's life. Head to https://IJM.org/DrLeaf, and help vulnerable children heal by giving the gift of therapy today. -Plushcare: PlushCare makes it easier than ever to take care of yourself, inside and out. Start your membership today. Go to https://PlushCare.com/drleaf to start your FREE 30-day trial. Podcast Highlights6:00 Why Ellen went from being an English major at Yale to studying mental health12:30 The questions you should be asking your anxiety or depression to find the root issue(s)22:00 Why it’s vital to look at anxiety and depression as warning signals NOT diseases, and how to identity these warning signals early35:48 What role medications play in mental health and the chemical imbalance myth51:41 How psychiatric drugs change our brains, why withdrawal is so difficult and how we can make the process easier1:02:44 How the mental healthcare system is starting to change for the better & how you can take charge of your mental health**Pre-order my new mental self-care tips book here for less 20%: https://drleaf.com/collections/all/products/101-ways-to-be-less-stressed -Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just look for Switch on Your Brain in the App Store or Google Play or visit: https://theswitch.app -Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources, tips, and tools to help you improve and heal your mental health! -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.