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Dr. Christina Bjorndal is a naturopathic doctor specializing in mental health.

In this episode, you're going to learn how Christina overcame severe mental health struggles, including bipolar disorder and suicidal depression, why nutrition and supplementation played a key role in her recovery, what role thoughts and emotions play in shaping mental health, how early life experiences and trauma can impact mental well-being, and why self-compassion is one of the most powerful tools for healing.

Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND has lived experience with depression (suicide survivor - 3x), anxiety, bulimia, bipolar disorder type 1 (psychosis survivor - 6x) and cancer. She draws upon her personal experience as well as her clinical training in naturopathic medicine & her additional training in mind and body medicine when striving to address patients' mental health concerns. Having overcome many mental health challenges, Dr. Chris is a gifted speaker and best-selling author. She is recognized as a top ND to follow by two independent organizations. Her book “Beyond the Label: 10 Steps to Improve Your Mental Health with Naturopathic Medicine” is a comprehensive guide to mental health. She has created two courses 1) The Moving Beyond Mental Health Labels Program for individuals and 2) A Clinician’s Integrative Mental Health Program

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction

[06:10] How a book changed Christina’s perspective

[07:50] The impact of psychiatric medications

[09:15] Discovering naturopathic medicine

[10:40] First steps toward healing

[12:20] Importance of nutrition for mental health

[14:00] The role of supplements in recovery

[15:35] What happened after stopping medication

[17:05] Addressing emotional and spiritual health

[18:50] Understanding the root causes of mental illness

[20:30] The connection between trauma and mental health

[22:00] How early life experiences shape the brain

[23:45] Why self-compassion is critical for healing

[25:10] Breaking the cycle of negative self-talk

[26:50] The science behind thoughts and emotions

[28:30] Managing stress and nervous system regulation

[30:05] The dangers of high cortisol and inflammation

[31:40] How bipolar disorder is misunderstood

[33:20] Common gaps in mental health treatment

[34:55] The role of spirituality in recovery

[36:25] How to support someone struggling with mental illness

[38:00] The power of small, consistent actions

[39:45] Why showing up for others makes a difference

What does Dr Chris recommend you eat to obtain or maintain mental health balance? Learn all about it in her free eBook.

If you want to connect with Dr. Chris, follow her on Facebook and Instagram and visit her website.

Dr. Christina Bjorndal’s Books:

Beyond the Label | Book

The Essential Diet | Book

Moving Beyond | Book

Resources Mentioned:

A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson | Book or Audiobook

Molecules Of Emotion by Candace Pert | Book or Audiobook

An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison | Book or Audiobook

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt | Book or Audiobook

Find more from Michael on the Rebel Health Tribe's Website and be sure to join their Facebook Group.