Speaking of Mental Health

Feeding Your Brain: Why Your Food Choices Can Make a Difference for Your Mental Health — with Dr. Bonnie Kaplan

Have you ever wondered if the food on your plate is doing more than just filling you up? The surprising truth is, nutrition plays a much bigger role in your mental health than most of us realize. In this episode of Speaking of Mental Health, Michelle sits down with Dr. Bonnie Kaplan, Professor Emerita at the University of Calgary. Over her 40-year scientific career, Dr. Kaplan has spent decades researching the biological roots of developmental disorders and mental health - especially focusing on how nutrition supports brain development and function. Dr. Kaplan, co-author of The Better Brain, shares science-backed insights into how key nutrients support brain function and emotional balance. Together, they explore why nutrition matters for mental health - and how simple, realistic lifestyle changes (not fancy or expensive diets) can make a big difference. In this episode, we cover: * How nutrition impacts your brain, emotions, and mental health * Essential vitamins and nutrients your brain needs to thrive * The science behind food’s influence on mood and cognition * Why cutting ultra-processed foods matters * Realistic strategies to overcome barriers to healthy eating * Practical tips to help you make simple changes for better brain health Join Michelle and Dr. Kaplan for an eye-opening conversation that could transform how you view food and mental health. To learn more about Dr. Kaplan’s research on nutrition and mental health, you can find additional resources here [https://bonniejkaplan.com/].

The Power of Silence: Why It Matters for Your Mental Health with Dr. Olga Lehmann

In this episode of Speaking of Mental Health, Michelle dives into a topic we often overlook—silence. It’s easy to think of silence as merely the absence of sound, but what if it’s actually a powerful tool for emotional clarity, self-reflection, and personal growth? Join Michelle as she speaks with Dr. Olga Lehmann, an author, educator, psychologist, and TEDx speaker who has dedicated her career to studying the power of silence in mental health. Known as the "Silentist," Dr. Lehmann unpacks how silence isn’t just a break from noise - it’s a powerful tool for cultivating mental well-being. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the constant noise of your day? Or perhaps you crave more quiet but don’t know how to embrace it? In this episode, Dr. Lehmann shares why silence can be a game-changer for your mental health—helping you achieve greater mental clarity, emotional balance, and personal growth. In this episode we discuss: * The many forms of silence—and what they each mean * The connection between silence and emotional well-being * How silence can strengthen relationships and deepen self-awareness * Practical ways to invite more silence into your daily life * Why sitting with silence—even when it feels uncomfortable—can lead to personal growth Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Olga Lehmann and discover how embracing silence could be the key to unlocking your mental health potential.

Caring for Yourself While Supporting Someone with a Mental Illness or Trauma History: A Conversation with Dr. Michelle Sherman

Loving and supporting someone with a mental illness or history of trauma can be incredibly challenging. It’s a delicate balance between offering care, setting healthy boundaries, and taking care of your own emotional needs. Yet, the experience of loved ones is often overlooked. So, how can we best support our loved ones while also prioritizing our own well-being? In this episode of Speaking of Mental Health, Michelle is joined by Dr. Michelle Sherman, a clinical psychologist and Fellow of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Sherman is an expert in couples and family psychology and has dedicated her 30+ year career to supporting families navigating mental illness and trauma. She offers invaluable insights into how loved ones can effectively manage caregiving, set healthy boundaries, and avoid compassion fatigue — all while taking care of themselves. Drawing from her extensive experience and insights from her new book, Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma, Dr. Sherman shares actionable strategies for finding the delicate balance between supporting others and prioritizing your own mental health. In this episode, we discuss: * The emotional challenges of supporting someone who's struggling with a mental health condition or history of trauma * How to set healthy boundaries and prioritize your own well-being while supporting someone else * Practical ways to manage compassion fatigue and avoid burnout * How to communicate effectively in sensitive situations while also honoring your own emotional needs * The concept of anosognosia — when someone with a mental illness is unaware of or denies their condition — and how it can impact caregiving Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Michelle Sherman, and gain actionable insights into how you can take care of yourself while still supporting your loved ones.

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Reclaim Your Confidence: A Conversation with Dr. Valerie Young

Imposter syndrome affects many people, but it’s not always easy to recognize or address. We often hear people saying, "I feel like an imposter," but what does it really mean to experience imposter syndrome, and how can we break free from its grip to reclaim our confidence and self-worth? In this episode of Speaking of Mental Health, Michelle is joined by Dr. Valerie Young, one of the world's leading experts on imposter syndrome and co-founder of the Imposter Syndrome Institute. Valerie has spent over two decades studying the psychology behind imposter feelings, and she’s here to share her wealth of knowledge with us. Together, we explore the different ways imposter syndrome can manifest, debunk common misconceptions, and discuss its impact on our mental health. Valerie also offers practical strategies for overcoming imposter feelings, shifting our mindset, reframing self-doubt, and embracing our achievements with confidence. In this episode, we discuss: * What imposter syndrome truly is, and how it can affect our mental health * The various types of imposter syndrome and how they can manifest * Practical tips for overcoming imposter feelings and shifting our mindset * How to embrace your success, recognize your worth, and move beyond perfectionism Join us for an empowering conversation with Dr. Valerie Young that will help you understand imposter syndrome and take actionable steps toward greater self-acceptance and confidence.

Cultural Identity and Mental Health: Insights with Psychologist Haza Rahim

Cultural identity can shape our sense of self and influence our mental health in profound ways. But what does it mean to navigate cultural identity, and how can it affect our mental well-being? In this episode of "Speaking of Mental Health," Michelle is joined by psychologist Haza Rahim. Having grown up as a bicultural and researching cultural identity and its impact on mental health, Haza brings both personal experience and a wealth of professional knowledge to our conversation Together, we dive into the complexities of cultural identity conflict, exploring how cultural backgrounds can both enrich and challenge our mental well-being. Haza shares her insights on the unique challenges bicultural individuals can face and emphasizes the importance of supporting cultural diversity and educating ourselves about these vital topics. In this episode, we discuss: * The concept of cultural identity and its significance for mental well-being * The challenges that can arise when navigating different cultural backgrounds and how cultural identity conflict can emerge * The importance of staying curious and educating ourselves about cultural identity * Practical insights on how to navigate cultural identity conflict and foster our own cultural journeys Join us for an enlightening conversation that seeks to broaden your perspective on how cultural identity influences mental health and how we can better support one another in our diverse experiences.