How is your mental health these days?
In recent years, our society has grown more accustomed to discussing this very important subject. We have normalized checking in with ourselves and each other, increased our compassion for those who are struggling, and have more resources than ever available to us to educate and guide us toward improving our mental health.
Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND is on the Cracking Open podcast today, and she is considered an authority in treating mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders using a naturopathic physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual approach.
Dr. Chris is not only a professional expert and doctor who has studied and researched mental illness for many years, but she also has deep personal experience with her own mental health challenges. She openly and courageously shares with us about her own struggles with bipolar disorder, depression, and multiple suicide attempts, and how she now lives a life free from suicidal ideation, using the tools from her own medical practice to successfully manage her depression and bipolar disorder with loads of compassion and love.
This episode with Dr. Chris is thoroughly relatable. Every single one of us seems to be struggling ourselves and/or knows at least one person who is. Many experts believe that we are actually in the throes of a mental health crisis. Whether from the pandemic isolation, social media, genetics, the chaotic hustle of life demands, the pressures we put on ourselves, and on and on… the struggle is real and it is all around us.
That is why I am especially grateful for Dr. Chris’ presence in our community today as a modern-day lighthouse guiding us with her medical wisdom, personal storytelling, and true compassion. We could all use a Dr. Chris in our lives, leading us to a place of profound healing and radical acceptance.
May we all find healthy ways to lay our burdens down. May we all have the courage to ask for help when we need it. May we all find freedom from suffering.
Love,
Molly
If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis or contemplating suicide, call or text 988. In emergencies, call 911, or seek care from a local hospital or mental health provider.
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