Mood and Mental Health

Mood challenges such as depression & anxiety, poor mental focus, cravings and even addictions are complex issues, but all have some common factors:

1) Brain chemistry deficiencies and imbalances
2) Genetics that make those brain chemistry imbalances more likely
3) Dietary habits that make those brain chemistry imbalances more likely
4) Nutrient deficiencies that make those brain chemistry imbalances more likely
5) Toxic exposures that make those brain chemistry imbalances more likely
6) Thought and behavior habits that make those brain chemistry imbalances more likely

7) Inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction those brain chemistry imbalances more likely

My approach to supporting mood, mental focus, and curbing cravings incorporates:

• Recommending support for underlying genetic factors (see MTHFr and Methylation support)

• Recommending specific nutrient support for improving brain chemistry

• Dietary suggestions - limiting exposure to foods that cause inflammatory and stress responses and increasing foods that provide essential nutrients for optimal brain chemistry

• Assessing chemical exposures and reducing body burden of chemicals that may contribute to mood issues

• Supporting the repair and re-booting of mitochondria 

• EFT, Meditation, and other "thought discipline" exercises that can help shift brain chemistry

• Referrals to and collaboration with counselors, primary care, and psychiatrists

I do work with clients that are on current medications in collaboration with prescribing practitioners.  In some cases the need for medication can be reduced or even eliminated, but this can only be assessed and attempted with support of the prescribing practitioner.  In other cases supplements and diet change can be leveraged to improve the outcome of both counseling and / or prescription mood support.