I Completed a Program in Integrative Psychiatry. Here's What I Learned.
I've been expanding my understanding of the brain and using nutrition to overcome mental health challenges. Let's talk about the top things I've learned.
This week, I wrapped up a one-year program, a Fellowship in Integrative Psychiatry. I now hold a new certification — Psychiatry Redefined Certified Functional Medicine Provider (CFPP).
One of the reasons I became interested in nutrition in the first place came after learning how much food could influence our mood and mental health. Having a family history of mental health challenges, and experiencing my own challenges with mood regulation, nutrition serves as another tool — one that’s often overlooked — to support the brain and mind.
Having completed my doctorate degree in 2019, I was feeling ready to expand my knowledge more specifically in this area.
Especially after spending more time working with others on alcohol-free living, I realized that mood disorders can occur as the result of alcohol misuse, or may be an underlying trigger to why we drink.
And now that I’ve finished this program, I am feeling extremely inspired in communicating the benefits of nutrition, specific vitamins and minerals, and new ways to approach regulating the mind.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more on this, so make sure to subscribe so you can get this info straight to your inbox.
And while I’ll be excited to roll out some new content and tools to support you, I want to share with you some of the big moments of awareness.
Here are some of the most important take aways:
Nutrition might be the key to unlocking your depression, anxiety, ADHD, or other brain disorder. After learning from the experts in the space, and even through my experience with clients, there is almost always a cause for why we feel the way we do. In case you didn’t know — the neurotransmitters in the brain, like serotonin and dopamine, all require nutrients for their production. Looking into the biochemistry is a great way to start!
Nutrition is the perfect adjunctive therapy. While medications may be necessary, they often don’t fully resolve our symptoms. Many people who are on one mental health medication may need to add a second, or third, before they start feeling better. Well, this could actually be because the missing link might be in nutrients — like B6, zinc, magnesium or others.
Testing for nutrients is necessary for everyone. I see vitamin and mineral deficiencies in 100% of my clients. But we only know this when we run the appropriate labs to look deeper. That’s why all of my online programs offer the option to have labs done to dive deeper. If we don’t know your levels, we can’t rule out nutrition as a factor.
So, if you have been struggling with anxiety, depression, have been diagnosed with ADHD, or experience another mood disorder, make sure to keep your eyes peeled — I’ll be covering these topics in my coming posts (And make sure to sign up, or become a paid subscriber to get access to this exclusive content).
P.S. My Functional Sobriety Academy Course is heading into retirement next week! If you’re interested in learning more about using nutrition and supplements to support alcohol-reduction or elimination, improve your gut, boost your mood and energy and balance your hormones — you won’t want to miss this final chance to enroll! You can get it now for 75% off.
For only $399, you can get 6-month access to this life-changing course to address your health and wellness through the lens of alcohol-free living! (And payment plans are available!)
Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead!
Sending you love, and permission to think outside the box.
Xo, Dr. Brooke
Congratulations!!