There’s nothing quite like a stunning sunrise at… 8:00AM. Or a stunning sunset… at…(checks watch)… 4:30PM. Ah, winter in the Pacific Northwest. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD – how apt) hits lots of folks this time of year, particularly in higher latitudes where the sun becomes scarce. Symptoms of SAD are similar to those of depression […]
The Protein-Mood Connection
Protein is a macronutrient that is essential for both physical and mental health. Protein is made up of amino acids, which are the raw materials the body uses to produce neurotransmitters, e.g. the chemicals that allow nerve cells in the brain to communicate with each other. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine play a […]
What to Expect at Your First Visit with Dr Katherine
You’ve likely been to the doctor, and know how that goes… check in, get roomed by a medical assistant (takes your blood pressure, weight, temp), wait for the doctor, spend about 15 minutes with the doctor (who may or may not answer all of your questions or address your concerns), and off you go. Seeing […]
Benefits and Drawbacks of Mental Health Diagnosis
I say ‘diagnosis’ you think… If your first thought anywhere along the lines of: You’d be on board with common perspectives. In the world of work-a-day primary care or emergency medicine, diagnoses are often fairly straightforward. Check the boxes of symptoms, do some physical exams, perhaps a lab test or two, and voilá, urinary tract […]
An Overview of Medications Used to Treat Anxiety
Anxiety is a stunningly common mental health condition, with approximately 36% of adults experiencing symptoms in the United States. Anxiety is characterized by excessive worry, fear, and nervousness. Other symptoms include: racing heart rate, muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. Symptoms may be so severe as to interfere with daily activities or work or school […]
Types of Medication Used to Treat Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by episodes of alternating depression and mania or hypomania. These episodes may occur several times per year, or, in some cases, several times over the course of a month. During episodes of depression, folks experience symptoms like low mood, low motivation, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, feelings […]
Uses and Benefits of Flower Essences
Flower essences are a remedy that has been used for centuries to promote emotional well-being and healing. After studying and successfully using homeopathy, Dr Bach developed these remedies using flowers, as this is ‘the most developed part of the plant’. Flower essences are made by infusing the energy of flowers into water, which is then […]
The Why and How of Depression Medication
Depression is, unfortunately, terribly common, affecting millions of folks worldwide. Characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities, depression makes even the simplest of tasks potentially overwhelmingly impossible. Other common symptoms include difficulty sleeping or over-sleeping, low motivation, weight changes (due to changes in appetite), fatigue, and feelings of […]
Sleep and Mental Health
It’s no surprise that sleep is a vital part of our overall health and wellbeing. During sleep our bodies repair and restore themselves, and our brains process and consolidate memories. This is also the time that metabolic wastes are ‘washed’ out of the central nervous system. The physical equivalent of clearing the counters, putting leftovers […]
To Medicate or Not to Medicate
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide. Symptoms and severity also vary widely, from contextually appropriate sadness (i.e. after a loss, during a transition or move) to being nervous about a new situation (starting a new job, going on a first date) to debilitating panic […]
