Ayurvedic doctor Chelynn Tetreault discusses stress, anxiety, and mental health from the holistic lens of Ayurvedic medicine.

We talk about why the fall season of 'change' can worsen feelings of anxiety, connected as we are to all rhythms, whether daily, monthly, or seasonal. Chelynn also shares examples from her work with clients to explain why it's hard to modify our habits and how connected the body and mind are. We discuss what it’s really like to work with her patients to treat mental health conditions, and Chelynn offers some specific ideas for supporting our bodies through anxiety and stress (think teas, herbs, bedtimes, etc.)

Chelynn's website: Lotus Ayurveda

Other resources mentioned in this episode:
- The Center for Spiritual Awareness

Borderline Personality Disorder is stigmatized in our culture, so much so that MamaJay asked to be anonymous for this episode. In this moving conversation, we talk about the difficulties of parenting a child with emotional dysregulation, when the regular moments of life can lead to explosive anger and lasting emotional extremes.  Our conversation addresses the stigma around this condition, how friends can make you feel as if you’re doing something wrong, the experience of parenting both before and after an official diagnosis, dialectic behavioral therapy, and how MamaJay learned to better handle her own emotions and show up as skillfully as possible as a mother. We also touch on the poignant challenge of loving a child whose mental health condition puts him at high risk of suicide. Finally, MamaJay also shares some of the critical resources that have helped her and her son navigate this difficult mental health journey.
MamaJay is a Healthangel on Health Together, where she welcomes questions and conversation from anyone who might need a little comfort or advice.

MamaJay recommends the following resource for families living with Borderline Personality Disorder: NEA BPD Family Connections Program 

Sandi Mauro is a Human Resources director, mother, wife, dog owner and also a patient who has struggled with multiple illnesses and injuries. Her health journey begins with a long decline over years of overworking, where she neglected her own well-being and started to rely on unhelpful fixes. We discuss how she "woke up" from her decline and some of the key actions she took to get back on feet and lead a healthier, more connected life. Our conversation reminded me to keep paying attention to my own well-being and to keep my eye on unhealthy habits that feel good in the moment, but hurt over the long term. Sandi is a Healthangel on Health Together.