Discover the hidden truths about anxiety and depression that could transform your approach to mental health. In this revealing conversation, host Leah Vachani interviews Dr. Brandy Zachary, a functional medicine expert who challenges conventional thinking about mental health treatment.Dr. Z shares her personal journey through health crises that led her to uncover the root causes of mental health issues, emphasizing why depression should be understood as a symptom rather than a standalone condition. This discussion is particularly relevant for women facing unique mental health challenges, especially during menopause and hormonal transitions. Key Topics Covered:⚡️The multifaceted causes of depression including hormonal imbalances, gut health, and lifestyle factors⚡️Why anxiety rates are skyrocketing among women⚡️The crucial role of patient empowerment in healthcare⚡️How food and nutrition directly impact mental wellness⚡️Understanding the microbiome's connection to anxiety and depression⚡️The link between chronic inflammation and cognitive decline⚡️Practical strategies for finding healthcare practitioners who truly listenPowerful Insights:"Depression is just a symptom" - Dr. Z explains how this reframe can revolutionize your healing journey"Food is the crux of everything" - Discover the profound connection between nutrition and mental health"You have to drive the questions" - Learn why patient advocacy is essential for better outcomes

This episode offers hope and practical guidance for women ready to move beyond surface-level treatments and address the root causes of their mental health challenges through functional medicine and holistic approaches.

Perfect for: Women struggling with anxiety and depression, those interested in functional medicine, health practitioners seeking root cause solutions, and anyone ready to take charge of their mental wellness journey.Get the full show notes at: https://leahvachani.com/post/anxiety-sucks-depression-is-a-symptom-brandy-zachary-039 🌸 Submit YOUR podcast question here: https://www.speakpipe.com/LeahVachaniConnect with Leah:✨ Follow Leah on Instagram for more value-packed content, tips, and lots of laughs! ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/leahvachani/ ⁠ ✨ Subscribe to Women Aging Powerfully on YouTube for more free content. ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@WomenAgingPowerfully ✨ Join the free Women Aging Powerfully Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenagingpowerfully ✨ Listen to the Women Aging Powerfully Podcast: https://leahvachani.com/podcast ✨ Lose that stubborn belly weight, reclaim your energy ALL day, sleep better, and feel amazing with Leah's signature course: https://leahvachani.com/cgm-reset-register The information provided during this podcast is for educational purposes only. The speaker may be a licensed medical professional and may present case studies of actual patients or refer to patients' treatment during the program. Please be reminded that the Scope of Practice for Holistic Nutrition Professionals prevents us from diagnosing, preventing, treating, curing, prescribing, managing, or healing disease. Holistic Nutrition Professionals are not licensed in any state and work with clients, not patients.