Unlocking the Secrets of The Gut-Brain Axis and Mental Health
Ericka Eller Ericka Eller

Unlocking the Secrets of The Gut-Brain Axis and Mental Health

Did you know that approximately 70 million Americans suffer from digestive issues? The relationship between our gut health and mental well-being is gaining increasing attention. Research shows that the gut influences not only our physical health, but also our mood and behavior. The percentage of individuals suffering from digestive disorders who also experience mood disorders is significant. Studies indicate that approximately 60% of those with gastrointestinal disorders also suffer from psychiatric disorders, including mood disorders (1). Specifically, for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common digestive disorder, about 37% of patients meet the criteria for anxiety disorders, and 27% to 29% for mood disorders (2). This comorbidity highlights the strong link between gastrointestinal health and mental health, therefore requiring an integrated approach to get to the root cause of the symptoms.

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Setting Boundaries with Family During the Holiday Season: Protecting Your Peace
Ericka Eller Ericka Eller

Setting Boundaries with Family During the Holiday Season: Protecting Your Peace

Setting Boundaries with Family During the Holiday Season: Protecting Your Peace

As a therapist—and someone who has personally struggled with navigating family dynamics during the holidays—I want to take you through some steps that you might find beneficial during this joyous, yet stressful, time of year. For years, I thought I had to say “yes” to everything, show up to every event, and put others’ needs ahead of my own, all in the name of keeping the peace. But the truth is, without boundaries, I wasn’t keeping the peace—I was sacrificing my own. 

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