When I was in elementary school is when I started to experience bullying. By the time I reached Junior High School, the “popular crowd” that I once was friends with no longer talked to me, in fact, I earned the nickname “Jan-elephant”. I had very few friends and a very poor perception of myself which continued throughout high school and into adulthood. Symptoms of Depression hit hard, I was having terrible thoughts of myself, had zero motivation wanted to sleep all the time, and did not want to do anything. At the end of high school, I started working out, which helped me to feel better, but I wasn’t quite right. It wasn’t until years later, countless prescription medications that only made me feel worse, that I learned I was in control of my feelings. I started reading everything I could about a more holistic way of living. Little did I know at that time I would eventually become a doctor to help others that experienced much of what I did. I no longer wanted to take a pill I had no idea about that left me in bed for days. I was sick of the feeling that this was it and I was only in my early 20s. I was worried, scared, frightful, out of my mind, I was so sick and tired of being so sick and tired! Fast forward and I found a natural doctor, a chiropractor, who also made some supplement recommendations. Well, it didn’t happen overnight, but eventually, I started feeling better and regaining my health. The body is a miraculous thing and it will fight for you provided you have the correct things to give it. Now, I make it seem like it was easy. Somewhat of a, try this. It was trial and error and we had to try many different combinations of herbs and supplements at different doses. It was a lengthy process. It was worth every single moment and at that time expense. I was able to get my health back which is what is needed for everything else we do. I cannot give back to anyone or anything if I care for myself. It takes work, every day, but it gets easier and with the help of a counselor, ND, and lots of self-work I am dedicated to helping others reach happiness and joy.

If I only knew back then what I know now, I do not believe I would have had to suffer as long as I did. I also understand it is not “just one thing” that will help us with mental challenges, but a combination of therapies, often from different practitioners. It is one of the reasons I chose the career I did, because I felt I had the right tools after what I experienced in order to help others. We are often not given or taught the right methods to cope with our mental health challenges, thankfully it is becoming more accepted and acknowledged.

Over the past 6 years, I have dedicated myself to working with patients who have chronic health issues of varying types, oftentimes there is an emotional or mental component that many other practitioners do not address. Like many other practitioners, we do what we do because of life experiences. What I went through is unacceptable. I know that countless amounts of people are suffering mental health challenges as well as sleep disturbances, hormone issues, gut dysfunction, autoimmune disease, etc. Naturopathic medicine involves the “determinants of Health” and if a determinant is suffering dis-ease we must remove the source/ reason it is causing the issue. If this is not addressed, it is impeding your health – it is SO important to talk about.

As a naturopathic physician, I use foundational support including personalized medical nutrition and dietary strategies, exercise, nutrients, herbal medicines, and personalized stress management techniques. When I see a new patient, I also want to know what is happening with them mentally/emotionally, but I also want to know everything about their lifestyle habits, diet, nutrition, family and past medical history, sleep, sexual function, energy levels, exercise habits, EMF exposure, bowel function, stressors, etc. After a very detailed history, I speak to them about ordering the appropriate testing specific to their needs. It could be blood, urine, stool, or other types of labs based upon the individual needs of that patient and their goals. As mentioned above, the body has this wonderful ability to heal itself. The key is balance and supplying it the fuel and resources it needs to regain that balance. In the end, I like to employ a combination of lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, biochemical, environmental, and mindset components to address the patients’ concerns.