Anxiety isn’t one-size-fits-all—and according to Dr. Ellen Vora, understanding the difference between false anxiety and true anxiety could change the way we approach mental health. On this episode of Get Well Better by The Lanby, host Chloe Harrouche sits down with Dr. Vora, a psychiatrist and bestselling author, to explore how functional medicine sheds light on the root causes of anxiety and stress.

From the hidden role of physical imbalances to the ways trauma shapes our nervous system, Dr. Vora breaks down why so many of us are struggling—and what we can actually do about it. She dives into how anxiety shows up differently in women, especially during perimenopause, and why lifestyle choices, nutrition, and community matter just as much as therapy or medication. The conversation also touches on the future of mental health, including the evolving role of primary care and the potential of psychedelics as treatment.

Whether you’ve battled anxiety yourself or are looking for better ways to support mental health, this episode offers empowering tools, fresh perspective, and practical steps to help you get well, better.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Understanding Mental Health Through Functional Medicine

05:47 The Role of Trauma in Anxiety

16:02 Building Resilience Against False Anxiety

23:13 Navigating Perimenopause and Hormonal Changes

29:47 The Role of Primary Care in Women's Health

38:41 The Debate on Tapering Off Medications

47:15 Practical Tips for Managing Anxiety

Connect with Dr. Ellen Vora: https://ellenvora.com/

Instagram: @ellenvoraMD https://www.instagram.com/ellenvoramd

Learn more about The Lanby: https://www.thelanby.com/