Dr. Laura welcomes Dr. Shahana Alibhai, a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, family physician, and medical director of The Foundry Abbotsford, to the show to talk about her book, Feel Better, and the need for more focus on mental health, especially for youth. Dr. Shahana points out that medicine is very focused on illness, on diagnosing disease and offering treatment, whereas mental health requires holding space for belonging, acceptance, and mattering. She and Dr. Laura explore what it takes to navigate emotions and thrive in life.

The proceeds from Dr. Shahana’s book sales go to support youth mental health agencies, and she drew on her own experiences with postpartum OCD and the reluctance she felt, as a physician, to seek professional help. Dr. Shahana and Dr. Laura explore the coping mechanisms we turn to and whether they’re useful long-term, the benefits of being open about our emotional states, and the lessons in Feel Better. Dr. Shahana likens understanding others to envisioning an invisible chalkboard above them listing what’s really going on in their lives, the parts we don’t automatically see. This is a beautifully authentic conversation that sheds light on the reality of what emotional struggle is, how to cope with stress and anxiety, and how to prolong the joy we seek.

“Does it come as a friend and leave as a friend, or does it come as a friend and leave as an enemy? … Vaping, substances, alcohol, the list goes on and on. Comes as a friend. Of course it works. It works oftentimes. Leaves as an enemy. It takes more from you than you want.” - Dr. Shahana Alibhai

About Dr. Shanana Alibhai:

TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and powerhouse in the field of emotional health. As a dedicated family physician and Medical Director at Foundry Abbotsford—British Columbia’s largest youth health centre—Dr. Shahana has made it her mission to empower others with the tools to navigate their emotional well-being.

Her debut book, Feel Better, endorsed by the legendary Mel Robbins, soared to #1 in and Parenting on Amazon. A sought-after speaker, she has worked with top organizations like Yale University, UBC, Scotiabank, and Remax, bringing clarity to the crucial connection between emotional and mental health.

Dr. Shahana’s insights have captivated audiences on major media platforms, including CTV and Global, and her wisdom has even made it to Hollywood—the quote, “We do not suffer from a lack of joy, simply a lack of recognizing it”, was handpicked for an award-winning planner gifted to celebrities at the Oscars. She has also been featured in Medium - Authority Magazine, where she shared her expertise on emotional resilience and well-being. In recognition of her impact, she has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 YWCA Women of Distinction Award.

Passionate about education and outreach, she created the groundbreaking "Think Like a Doc" program, where students step into the shoes of a physician, learning about both their physical and mental health. She has also contributed to global mental health initiatives, volunteering her time to support communities in developing nations like Nepal.

Beyond her work in medicine and advocacy, Dr. Shahana is a proud mom to three energetic young boys who keep her on her toes and continuously teach her the true meaning of patience, resilience, and joy. Balancing a thriving career with the beautiful chaos of motherhood, she brings a refreshingly real and relatable perspective to her audiences.

When she’s not on stage, in the clinic, or chasing after her little ones, Dr. Shahana serves as a National Accreditor for the College of Canadian Family Physicians and has been a mentor in the UBC Faculty of Medicine Residency Training Program. Her TEDx talk, "Emotional Literacy for Better Mental Health", has resonated with thousands, cementing her as a leading voice in the space of well-being and resilience.

With a unique ability to blend science, storytelling, and real-world strategies, Dr. Shahana leaves every audience inspired, informed, and ready to feel better. 

Resources:

Website: DrShahana.com

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Book: “Feel Better” by Dr. Shahana Alibhai, MD 

Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live

“I Wish I’d Quit Sooner:  Pre-orders: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett - Pre-orders and Amazon

For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: 

Canada Career Counselling

Synthesis Psychology

Pre-order Dr. Laura’s new book today: I Wish I’d Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss

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