Mental health and wellbeing is crucial to our overall existence, and it seems like we're talking about these topics more so than ever. The traditional Western model often relies on prescribing medications to manage symptoms in order to function. And while these medications have a place and can relieve a lot of suffering from many people, there is the issue of the one size approach that is not a fit for all and also the issue of not going to and resolving the source of the problem in many cases.

My guest today is taking a new approach to mental health. Dr. Ellen Vora graduated from Columbia University Medical School and received a BA from Yale University. She's also board-certified psychiatrist, acupuncturist and yoga teacher.

Dr. Vora takes a functional medicine approach to mental health considering the whole person and addressing the problem at the root rather than reflexively prescribing medication to suppress symptoms. Ellen specializes in depression, anxiety, insomnia, women's mental health, adult ADHD, bipolar, auto-immunity and digestive issues and she is currently writing a book about anxiety.

In this discussion with Dr. Ellen Vora, you'll discover:

-Dr. Ellen Vora's definition of "holistic psychiatry"...02:54

-Somatic healing and extreme stress relief...11:15

-New treatments possible with Ayahuasca and psychedelics...18:40

-Distinguishing between clinical and "normal" depression...30:30

-How the stuff we put in our body contributes to "avoidable" anxiety...37:45

-Media exploits that unhealthy hankering for "purposeful" anxiety...45:20

-Offline community (face to face) with like-minded people as a solution for anxiety...48:30

-Adverse Childhood Experiences are like poison to the body...52:55

-Psychedelics used for anti-aging strategies...57:40

-Dr. Ellen's best practices to achieve optimal mental and spiritual wellness...1:00:20

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Ellen's website

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