Emotions play an important role in how we think, feel, react and behave; they are an essential part of being human. Everyone goes through tough chapters in life where they experience mental and emotional stress, like sadness, anxiety, fear, and grief, for example. Acknowledging how you feel and committing to take care of yourself emotionally, creatively, physically, and spiritually, can help turn negative experiences and the thoughts and feelings that come along with it, into change, growth, and healing. In a book that's both provocative and radical, holistic psychiatrist Kelly Brogan, M.D., author of A Mind of Your Own, charts a new path to get real, get well, and get free.

This is the Empowered Mama Podcast.

Anxiety and depression are a mental health epidemic, with anxiety disorders taking the lead for the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 18.1% of the national population and 260 million people globally (According to the Anxiety and Depression Association). 322 million people worldwide live with depression, which occurs more often in women than men (According to the Anxiety and Depression Association).

Mental health issues can happen to anyone...the mom-next-door experiencing Postpartum Depression and/or Postpartum Anxiety after the birth of her baby, the successful entrepreneur experiencing panic attacks who's been diagnosed with Panic Disorder, the nurse hiding crippling OCD from her co-workers, the wife suffering Major Depressive Disorder from the loss of a baby or her military spouse...the SAHM moms, the working moms, your best friend...you.

People who experience any form of a mood disorder know how crippling these feelings and the "new normal" they seem to be facing can be. Treating any type of mental illness often requires a combination approach, ranging from talk therapy with a psychologist, meds, psychiatrist care, and/or lifestyle adjustments or changes. You are not alone in this journey, and we support you seeking help if and when you -- or someone you know -- notices a change in your thoughts and feelings. This is especially important to be on the lookout for postpartum, when a new mom may be susceptible to Postpartum Depression, Postpartum OCD, Postpartum Anxiety, and/or Postpartum Psychosis.

Medications can be a life-saving necessity for some with mental illness, and others may wish to seek a holistic route -- or a blend. We support whatever form of treatment works for you, whether that means going to weekly therapy with a psychologist, taking meds prescribed by your licensed doctor or psychiatrist, changing your diet and lifestyle, or any combination.

Disclaimer: Always seek medical advice from a board-certified therapist, psychiatrist, and/or physician before beginning any new treatment plan and deciding what approach to take on your mental health journey.

Today, we are interviewing Kelly Brogan, M.D., a holistic psychiatrist who specializes in treating mental health through a natural approach. We know this route of treatment is not for everyone. We know meds save lives. We also know that there are potential ways to feel better outside of the traditional western medicine scope.

Links For (Kelly Brogan)

https://kellybroganmd.com/downloads/

The Empowered Mama is part of the Parents On Demand Network. The Parents On Demand Network is a collection of podcasts with content specifically created for families. Through the POD website and network app, parents can easily find and subscribe to programming that's specific to their family's interests and needs. Links for Lisa

MamaWell: https://www.mamawell.co

FIT4MOM website: https://www.fit4mom.com

The Empowered Mama Book: https://www.lisadruxman.com/book/

Lisa Druxman's Website: https://www.lisadruxman.com

Thank you for listening today, and every day that you join me. As always, if there is someone you want me to interview or a topic you want me to talk about, just send me an email to podcast@fit4mom.com.I know how busy you are, but if you could just take a moment to review the show on iTunes or Stitcher, it would mean the world to me. Think of it like leaving a little tip for your barista. If you liked this episode share it. Super easy to do! Use #EmpoweredMama so that I can thank you!

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Your Path Beyond Depression, Anxiety, and Fatigue with Kelly Brogan