#45 Depression and Anxiety: What's Really Going On?

In episode 45, we dive into the extremely important topic of mental health issues and help you understand how conditions like depression and anxiety can affect reproductive health. While the conventional medical model views mental health conditions as "chemical imbalances" that require drug therapy to correct, we view mental health symptoms as a clue to something deeper going on in the body. Contrary to what we've all been taught, the brain is not a separate entity from the rest of the body and there is a complex interplay between the brain, the gut, and the immune system that is not being taken into account in mainstream psychiatry. There are many underlying factors that can either directly cause or worsen mental health issues, and addressing these factors with natural therapies can lead to incredible healing for those who are suffering - often without the unwanted side effects of antidepressant/psychotropic medication. Throughout the episode, we discuss: What depression and anxiety are and the many possible symptoms associated with them The major factors underlying mental health symptoms and why antidepressant drugs don’t address them How mental health issues are related to your fertility and why it’s so important to investigate your symptoms before conceiving Steps you can take to improve your mental health and heal your body from the inside out  You can find show notes for the episode and links to all the resources we discuss on our website at https://tinyfeet.co/my-podcast/45. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are currently taking medication, we are NOT suggesting that you discontinue it! You should never stop taking antidepressant or psychotropic medications without first consulting with your doctor and putting together a carefully monitored plan for tapering slowly off of these drugs. Stopping cold-turkey can be extremely dangerous and damaging to your health.  Take the FREE Quiz: Are You Healthy Enough to Get Pregnant?