Category: Integrative Psychiatry - COURTNEY SNYDER MD - HOLISTIC CHILD & ADULT PSYCHIATRIST

Constipation, Carb Craving & Brain Symptoms in Children

4/28/2026

There are many children out there whose cognitive, emotional and social development is impacted by candida overgrowth in the GI tract. This treatable, often overlooked condition, in my experience, is one of the more common contributing factor when it comes to inattention, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and OCD symptoms in children. “Drunken laughter,” seen especially in younger children, is due to “autointoxication” from fermentation in the gut. Some children will routinely rev up or have bouts of over the top silliness in the evening. Carb craving can be particularly severe - so severe, I’ve had some parents bring their children for treatment after having put locks on the refrigerator.

In this reel, I also discuss other symptoms, treatment and typical treatment response.

Panic: Physiologic Roots (A Functional & Holistic Perspective)

1/31/2026

In this episode of the Holistic Psychiatry podcast, I discuss panic attacks, exploring their physiological, neurological, and emotional underpinnings. I discuss the heightened sensitivity of the brain’s alarm system, the role of neurotransmitters, hormonal influences, and the impact of inflammation and biotoxins. I’ll emphasize the importance of being curious about the nature of panic attacks..

Takeaways

Panic attacks occur when the brain’s alarm system is overly sensitive.
Physical symptoms of panic attacks can be debilitating and terrifying.
Underlying physiological factors contribute to vulnerability to panic attacks.
Neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and GABA play crucial roles in panic disorders.
Hormonal imbalances, especially in women, can increase the likelihood of panic attacks.
Mast cells are involved in the immune response and can trigger panic symptoms.
Biotoxins, particularly from mold, can significantly impact mental health.
Limbic system dysfunction can lead to heightened anxiety and panic.
The autonomic nervous system regulates our fight or flight response.
Emotional stressors, trauma and stressors can contribute to panic attacks

Chapters
00:00 Understanding Panic Attacks
03:07 Physiological Factors Behind Panic Attacks
06:00 Neurotransmitters and Panic Disorder
08:52 The Role of Hormones in Panic Attacks
12:07 Inflammation and Panic Attacks
14:53 Mast Cells and Panic Responses
18:06 Biotoxins and Their Impact on Panic
21:00 Limbic System Dysfunction and Panic
24:11 The Autonomic Nervous System’s Role
26:45 Emotional Stressors and Panic Attacks

As always, I welcome your thoughts and questions.

Until next time,
Courtney

Making Room For the Soul

1/16/2026

In this episode, I wanted to turn us back to more of the humanity and heart of our healing and thriving and step away from the science and left-brain information that I'm often sharing.

In the last couple of days, I've been writing something for myself, but I thought it might be beneficial to someone out there. It's called Reclaiming Our Messy Selves with Bernie Taupin, Thomas Merton, and Sara Bareilles.

As this new year gets rolling, I've been trying to make room for what I call the soul. To me, this means being more receptive to those mysterious synchronicities, insights, feelings so easily missed when I keep myself busy and distracted. Sometimes this energy comes from within, and sometimes it's a postcard from God, as Walt Whitman would say.

Copper Overload: Common in ADHD, Postpartum Depression, Panic & Tantrums

1/8/2026

Summary
In this episode, I discuss copper overload, a common yet often overlooked contributor to various mental health issues, including postpartum depression and ADHD.
The referenced data comes from the Walsh Research Institute, which studied nutrient levels in 30,0000 people with brain related symptoms, and found a small handful of nutrient imbalances repeated showing up. Copper overload was the one of those imbalances.
I explain the relationship between copper and zinc, and how elevated copper can impact neurotransmitter functioning. I also address the symptoms of high copper, potential causes for its elevation, methods for assessing copper levels, and treatment strategies to manage copper overload effectively
Takeaways

Copper overload is prevalent in mental health conditions.
High copper levels are linked to postpartum depression.
Copper affects neurotransmitter functioning, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine
Zinc is essential for regulating copper levels.
Symptoms of high copper include anxiety, insomnia, depression and rage.
Dietary sources of copper include shellfish and chocolate.
Oxidative stress can elevate copper levels.
Copper and estrogen have a significant relationship.
Assessment of copper involves specific lab tests.
Treatment includes nutrient protocols and reducing exposure.

Chapters
00:00 Understanding Copper Overload
10:36 Identifying Symptoms and Conditions Related to Copper
21:10 Assessing and Treating Copper Overload
As always, I welcome any comments and questions, as these help guide the information that I share.

Mold Toxicity: A Common Cause of Brain Symptoms

11/11/2025

In this episode, I explore mold-related illness, with a particular focus on mold toxicity and mold colonization.

I discuss:

The wide range of brain-related and systemic symptoms associated with mold toxicity
How toxic mold exposure can occur even when visible mold growth isn’t present
Why not everyone exposed to the same environment becomes toxic, and the factors that influence susceptibility
How mold toxicity is diagnosed and what tests are used to identify biotoxin-related illness
How to test your environment for mold, including both air and surface testing options
The four core pillars of treatment:
1. Eliminating exposure to contaminated environments
2. Using binders to help the body excrete toxins
3. Addressing fungal colonization, when present
4. Adjusting diet to reduce foods that feed mold and candida, which often coexist with mold toxicity
The importance of addressing mast cell activation, retraining the limbic system, and supporting the vagus nerve- especially in individuals who are highly sensitive to treatment
Practical environmental steps, including air purification and humidity control, to reduce ongoing exposure

In the next episode, I’ll review research exploring the connection between mold and brain-related conditions, and address the question: “Can mold enter the brain, even in individuals who are not immunocompromised?”

It’s important to recognize that mold toxicity rarely occurs in isolation. It often contributes to or exacerbates other underlying conditions, such as mast cell activation, electromagnetic hypersensitivity, multiple chemical sensitivity, pyrrole disorder, copper–zinc imbalance, low methylation, and increased susceptibility to microbial infections or autoimmunity.

As always, I welcome your thoughts and questions.

Until next time,
Courtney

Compulsive Caregiving - A Common But Less Obvious Attachment Pattern

10/30/2025

In this episode, I take a closer look at compulsive caregiving through the lens of attachment theory. This subtle yet pervasive form of insecure attachment can significantly impact one’s ability to thrive and build healthy, balanced relationships. Related terms often used to describe this pattern include over-functioning, codependency, and what’s sometimes called Nice Guy / Good Girl Syndrome.

This episode is the fourth in a four-part series exploring how our earliest caregiver experiences during the first three years of life shape our emotional regulation, self-beliefs, and the ways we connect with others as adults.

Here, I discuss:

How early attachment experiences shape compulsive caregiving and the development of the parentified child dynamic
How over-functioning, people-pleasing, and codependency share common roots in early attachment anxiety
Why physiological sensitivity — particularly among Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) — can increase vulnerability to compulsive caregiving patterns
The parallels between compulsive caregiving and other addictive or compulsive behaviors
Where this attachment pattern fits on the attachment spectrum
The beliefs, emotions, behaviors, and communication styles often seen in those who struggle with compulsive caregiving
The physical and psychological effects of chronic stress and emotional repression commonly associated with this pattern
Evidence-based tools, therapeutic approaches, and self-awareness practices that support healing and a return to emotional balance
Key resources for deeper recovery, including The Drama of the Gifted Child, Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, and Codependent No More

Links to related content:
Codependency, Compulsive Caregiving, Over-functioning & Nice Guy/Good Girl Syndrome

As always, I welcome your thoughts and questions.

Until next time,
Courtney

Discovering the Cause of Bipolar Disorder - A Conversation with Dr. William Walsh

10/20/2025

Dr. William Walsh, president of the non-profit Walsh Research Institute, is an internationally recognized leader in the field of nutritional medicine and nutrient-based psychiatry. His pioneering work began in collaboration with the renowned Carl C. Pfeiffer, MD, PhD — a foundational figure in nutritional psychiatry — developing individualized nutrient protocols. Their early research focused on violent and criminal behavior before expanding into broader areas such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, autism, and schizophrenia.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Walsh has studied more than 30,000 patients with various mental health conditions, compiling an unparalleled database of over 3 million chemical assays. From this groundbreaking research, he identified the biotypes of depression, ADHD, and schizophrenia, providing a new framework for understanding and treating these disorders through a biochemical lens.

Dr. Walsh’s research also extends beyond clinical psychiatry. He has conducted chemical analyses of more than 25 serial killers, collaborated with medical examiners, Scotland Yard, and the FBI, and designed nutritional programs for Olympic and professional athletes.

In this episode, we discuss:

Bipolar Disorder — how it differs from other psychiatric conditions and why it has been so difficult for researchers to fully understand
The strong hereditary component of Bipolar Disorder, despite no single causative gene having been identified
Dr. Walsh’s scientific journey toward uncovering the underlying cause of Bipolar Disorder — beginning with neuroscience research, expanding into genetic studies such as GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Studies), and focusing on ion channel genes, DNA repair genes, and the emerging concept of Bipolar Disorder as a “channelopathy.”
The alignment between genetic vulnerabilities involving ion channel genes and those responsible for defending against DNA damage and oxidative stress
How weakened DNA repair mechanisms may contribute to other health problems, accelerate aging, and reduce life expectancy
How weak ion channel genes can increase oxidative stress in the brain and body
Bipolar Disorder as a channelopathy — and how this model helps explain the shifting states from euthymia (balanced mood) to mania, to depression, and back again from a neurotransmission perspective
How these discoveries influence the treatment and prevention of Bipolar Disorder, offering new hope for more targeted and effective interventions

Links to related content:

Wash Research Institute
Lunch with Dr. William Walsh - His Story, Discoveries & the Future of Nutrient-Based Psychiatry
Breakthrough Theory of Bipolar Disorder

As always, I welcome your thoughts and questions.

Until next time,
Courtney

Anxious-Preoccupied Attachment Style

10/7/2025

Emotional Dysregulation, Fears of Abandonment. Assessment & Tool for Moving Toward a Secure Attachment.

In this episode, I explore the anxious (ambivalent–preoccupied) attachment style — a relational pattern often marked by emotional intensity, dependence, and a deep longing for reassurance and connection.

I discuss how this attachment pattern forms, how it shows up in adult relationships, and what kinds of therapeutic and holistic approaches can help individuals move toward a more secure attachment style. Specifically, I cover:

How early caregiving inconsistency — and even perceived or real experiences of abandonment — can lead to an anxious attachment style and challenges with emotional regulation
The key differences between anxious and avoidant attachment patterns
What infant and toddler attachment research reveals about early caregiving and attachment development
How anxious attachment manifests in adulthood, often as emotional overwhelm or fear of abandonment
Connections between attachment and biochemistry, including inflammation, methylation, high copper, high pyrroles, mast cell activation, and biotoxin illnesses such as mold toxicity
Psychotherapy approaches that support regulation, self-awareness, and secure attachment — including learning to establish healthy emotional boundaries
The importance of structure and daily routines in developing a reliable and supportive “inner parent”
Mind–body practices like guided meditation, intentional journaling, and creative learning to enhance emotional balance
Why addressing both emotional and biochemical factors is essential for long-term healing and resilience

With awareness, compassion, education, and consistent support, we can begin to rewire the nervous system for greater calm, clarity, and self-trust — moving closer to a more secure way of relating to ourselves and others.

As always, I welcome your thoughts and questions.

Until next time,
Courtney

Dismissive-Avoidant Attachment & How It May Relate To Undermethylation

9/11/2025

What do Don Draper (Mad Men), James Bond, Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada), and Rick Blaine (Casablanca) all have in common? Each of these characters is a clear example of the avoidant-dismissive attachment style brought to life on screen.

In the previous episode, I explored how our earliest caregiving experiences-especially in the first three years of life-can profoundly shape our ability to regulate emotions and form core beliefs about ourselves and others. I also highlighted how attachment influences neurophysiology, including right-left brain differentiation, the limbic system (often called the "lizard brain"), and the autonomic nervous system.

In this episode, I turn the focus more specifically to one end of the attachment spectrum-the avoidant-dismissive attachment style. I'll discuss:

How attachment was first measured in both toddlers and adults
How avoidant-dismissive attachment tends to develop over time
What avoidant attachment looks like in close relationships
Personality disorders that may overlap with this attachment pattern
Parallels between avoidant-dismissive attachment and undermethylation, and how the two may be related
The role of individual psychotherapy, group, family and couples therapy, and supportive relationships in the healing process
Other practices, tools, and lifestyle choices that can help foster emotional connection and resilience
How raising awareness of these attachment patterns can transform not only personal well-being, but also parenting and family dynamics across generations

As a holistic psychiatrist who has treated many children and adults with attachment-related conditions, I believe that growth is always possible. While avoidant attachment may take root early in life, it does not define a person forever. With curiosity, self-compassion, and the willingness to practice new ways of relating to ourselves and to others-we can expand our capacity for intimacy and connection, and begin to feel more whole.

In the next episode, I'll shift to the other side of the attachment spectrum: the anxious-ambivalent (preoccupied) attachment style.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions-they help guide the topics and resources I share.

Until next time,
Courtney

Links to related content:

Methylation & Brain Health
Undermethylation Myths, MTHFR & The Great Folate Debate

How Our First 3 Years Impact Our Emotional Regulation

8/22/2025

The impact of our early attachment experience on the development of our limbic system, autonomic nervous system, and right and left brain differentiation.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the growing use of the term “dysregulated.” It’s a powerful word that captures what happens when we struggle to find calm in the body and brain after facing stress. When we talk about nervous system regulation, it’s easy to forget that its foundation is mostly laid down in the earliest years of life. Even though we don’t consciously remember those first experiences, they continue to shape our patterns and responses well into adulthood.

The encouraging part is this: even if our early attachment experiences weren’t ideal, it’s absolutely possible to move toward greater attachment security. This shift allows us to experience healthier emotional regulation, more positive beliefs about ourselves and others, and stronger, more connected relationships.

In this episode, I explore:

What attachment is and why the first three years are so critical
How the nervous system develops through early attachment experiences, including:
- Right and left brain differentiation
- The limbic system
- The autonomic nervous system (with the vagus nerve that helps us rest, digest, and connect)
The main attachment styles and how they shape our emotions, beliefs, and behaviors
The role of early stress and how high cortisol levels affect life-long regulation
Why our culture’s “left-brain dominance” often disconnects us from empathy, embodiment, and nuance
Practical steps to nurture secure attachment and build more self-compassion, even as adults

For me, this conversation is never about placing blame on parents- it’s about understanding the deep influence of those early years, which are arguably the most important time in our lives. It’s also a reminder that it’s never too late to become a more responsive and compassionate caregiver to ourselves.

If you have a specific situation, concern or question that you would like me to react to in a future newsletter/episode, please email that to [email protected]. Names will never be shared.

Until next time,
Courtney

Thinking Holistically About Symptoms.....in a World That Compartmentalizes

7/17/2025

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how much the fragmentation within modern medicine limits our ability to truly understand the root of illness.

This episode is for anyone who’s visited multiple specialists for a range of symptoms and still doesn’t feel well, or for anyone curious about how seemingly disconnected health issues might actually be related.

In this episode, I explore:

- A letter from someone experiencing a wide array of symptoms who has consulted numerous specialists but still hasn’t found answers or real progress toward healing
- How conventional medicine has splintered into more than 130 specialties and the consequences this has on diagnosis and care
- The historical and current divide between psychiatry and neurology, even though both focus on the brain and nervous system
- Why I find the term “mental illness” limiting and prefer to use the language of brain symptoms
- A broader view of symptoms often labeled as psychiatric, including emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and sensory experiences, and how these can signal deeper physiological imbalances
- An overview of neurotransmitters: what they are, what affects their levels, and how disruptions in these chemicals often lie at the heart of both psychiatric and neurological issues
- A vision for a more integrative and connected approach to healthcare in the future

If there’s a particular topic or personal concern you’d like me to cover in an upcoming episode or newsletter, feel free to email it to [email protected]

Until next time,
Courtney

Difference Between Functional, Holistic & Conventional Psychiatry

6/26/2025

Kayaking one morning near my house.

I hope this summer is bringing you moments of peace and joy. Over the past few months, I’ve stepped back from writing and teaching to support my aging parents, now in their late 80s, while continuing to maintain my clinical practice, offer consultations, and mentor others. It’s been a powerful reminder that we can’t always do everything at once. If you’re balancing caregiving, managing your own health, working, and still trying to nurture your creative or professional passions, I see you. I’m right there with you. For me, one enduring passion is sharing thoughtful, useful insights about mental health and psychiatry here.

Much of what I’ve shared so far focuses on how I approach mental health care in my practice. Today, I want to zoom out and reflect on the larger landscape of psychiatry and its shifting forms.

In this episode, I explore:

The educational paths of psychologists, psychiatrists, and child psychiatrists
The decline in psychiatrists offering psychotherapy
Key differences between Conventional (Allopathic) and Functional Medicine
How Functional, Holistic, Integrative, and Conventional Psychiatry differ
An introduction to Nutritional Psychiatry and Environmental Psychiatry

I also share why the term Holistic Psychiatry resonates with me most—it's a warmer, more inclusive approach to mental health that reflects the kind of care I strive to offer.

Thank you for continuing to be part of this journey. Your interest and engagement mean the world.

Warmly,
Courtney

Undermethylation & Other Potential Roots of Physician Depression, Burnout & Suicide

9/17/2024

Data, Contributing Factors, Undermethylation, When Strengths Relate to Vulnerabilities, Self Reliance, a Medical Culture That Keeps Physicians From Seeking Help & What Can Be Done

It’s easy to overlook that medical professionals are vulnerable to stress, burnout, and both physical and mental health issues. Despite the expectation that they remain well, physicians experience higher rates of depression, and the rate of physician suicide is twice that of the general population.

In this newsletter, I’ll explore how biochemical and environmental factors play a role in both the strengths and vulnerabilities of doctors. While the focus is on physicians, much of what I’ll discuss also applies to other medical professionals and caregivers.

Key topics include:

The higher rates of depression and suicide among physicians
How undermethylation may be a strong contributing factor
The role of early family dynamics in shaping vulnerabilities
A medical culture that leaves physicians unsupported and hesitant to seek help
Solutions for improving physician mental health and well-being

Read the full article on Substack

Factors That Disrupt Early Attachment

9/9/2024

Why Love is Not Enough, Cultural Differences, Nazi Parenting Manual, Cycle of Abuse, Narcissistic Family Dynamic, Family Stress, Poor Quality Day Care, Screen Media

By Courtney Snyder, MD

In a recent newsletter , I explored how our early attachment experiences—particularly those within our first three years—shape our autonomic nervous system, stress responses, sense of self-worth, expectations of others, and worldview.

While we may not consciously “remember” these early years, the experiences of our infant and toddler selves live on in our neurophysiology. They influence how we handle stress, regulate emotions, connect with others, and perceive ourselves.

Our culture often frames early life experiences in simplistic terms: either all good or all bad. We tend to think, "We were either abused, raised in an institution or foster care, or we weren't. Our parents either loved us or they didn't."

In this newsletter, I’ll delve deeper into:

The various ways attachment can be disrupted.
Why parental love alone does not always ensure secure attachment.
How culture influences attachment, and how attachment experiences shape culture in return.
A historical example of widespread attachment disruption: the Nazi parenting manual.
Less obvious disruptions, such as family stress, narcissistic family dynamics, and poor-quality daycare.
The impact of screen media on attachment and child development.

Read the full article on Substack

Walsh Depression Biotypes Including Undermethylation, Overmethylation, Copper Overload and Pyrrole Disorder

7/28/2024

From the Walsh Research Institute’s original data.

By Courtney Snyder, MD

A Conversation About High Copper, Low Zinc, Pyrrole Disorder & Methylation Imbalances - Symptoms, Traits, Testing & Treatment

I recently had the pleasure of joining Annika Taylor, a holistic health practitioner, on the Nourished By Nature: Mind Body Wellness Podcast.

After sharing my journey into holistic psychiatry and defining what it means, Annika and I explored the following topics:

Walsh Research Institute's Findings: Insights from the nutrient data of 30,000 individuals with brain-related symptoms, revealing the most common biochemical imbalances. Approximately 90-95% of my patients with brain-related symptoms present with one or more of these imbalances.
Walsh Biotypes of Depression: An overview of the different biotypes and how they relate to various psychiatric conditions.
Testing for Imbalances: Methods I use to test for copper-zinc imbalances, pyrrole disorder, and methylation imbalances.
High Copper Levels: The connection between high copper and conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression, and postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Pyrrole Disorder: Symptoms, traits, and effective treatments for this often-overlooked condition.
Impact of Methylation on Brain Health: How both under- and over-methylation affect mental health, including their specific symptoms and traits.
Treating Undermethylation: Approaches to managing and treating undermethylation to improve brain health.
Destigmatizing Mental Health Conditions: How understanding these biochemical imbalances can help reduce the stigma around mental health and offer pathways to healing and hope.

We also discussed a recent finding by Dr. Walsh that undermethylation is on the rise in the population, while overmethylation appears to be decreasing.

Related Resources:

Annika Taylor - nourishedbynature.com
Walsh Research Institute
For links to specific topics address see links in the description above.

Alzheimer's: Factors We Have Control Over

7/14/2024

By Courtney Snyder, MD

Protecting Our Brain Early Starting With Understanding the Role of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Insulin Resistance, a Potential Microbial Presence & APOe4

Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that involves the gradual death of brain cells, leading to the loss of brain tissue. The changes in the brain that lead to Alzheimer’s dementia can start up to 20 years before symptoms appear. This is crucial because emerging research and clinical experience in functional medicine suggest that many of the contributing factors can be influenced before symptoms progress.

In this newsletter and podcast episode, I’ll explore:

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s
What happens in the brain as the disease progresses
The typical course of the illness
Key biomarkers for early diagnosis, even before symptoms arise
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s
Major risk factors
The role of the APOe4 gene in Alzheimer’s
The impact of insulin resistance in the brain
The effects of oxidative stress
The role of inflammation in brain degeneration
Evidence suggesting a fungal presence in Alzheimer’s patients
How these factors may work together to accelerate the disease

In the next episode, I’ll delve into mainstream treatments and explore functional, integrative, and holistic approaches that target blood sugar regulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and even mold and candida as potential contributors.

Mentioned Resources:

Other Related Newsletters:

High Copper, Metallothionein, Cancer & Mental Health (paid)
Lowering Brain Inflammation (free)
Regulating Blood Sugar For the Brain (paid)

Medical Disclaimer: This newsletter is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.

Addressing the Roots of Brain Symptoms With Functional Medicine Psychiatry

4/28/2024

The many underlying and overlapping factors are considered in functional medicine.

By Courtney Snyder, MD

The Benefits, Risks, and How to Improve Functional Medicine.

What is Functional Medicine?

Functional Medicine is an integrative, biology-based approach that promotes healing and wellness by focusing on the biochemically unique aspects of each patient, utilizing individually tailored interventions to restore balance. This approach seeks to understand the fundamental physiological processes, environmental factors, and genetic predispositions that affect health and disease, addressing the root causes.

In Functional Medicine Psychiatry, these interventions aim to promote healing and wellness for individuals experiencing brain-related symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, mood swings, fatigue, brain fog, hyperactivity, cognitive impairment, social communication deficits, and psychosis.

In this Newsletter, I’ll explore:

The pros and cons of mainstream medicine
Common characteristics of those who seek functional medicine
The benefits of functional medicine
The risks associated with functional medicine
How both functional medicine physicians and patients can mitigate these risks

Read the full article on Substack

Meditation’s Gifts & How to Begin

4/14/2024

By Courtney Snyder, MD

If you’re like I was, you might feel both drawn to and resistant to starting a meditation practice. My many attempts to begin and then stop were less about meditation itself and more about not prioritizing self-care.

For many of us, learning to sit still in silence—and often in solitude—can be challenging. Our minds may chatter nonstop about things we’d rather not confront: the to-do lists, worries, ruminations, irritations, regrets, "should haves" and "shouldn't haves," "what ifs," things we said or did, things others said or did, judgments, and even judgments about those judgments. Our attachment to how we believe things should be is a significant part of our suffering.

All forms of meditation aim to guide our minds (and bodies) away from day-to-day thoughts and into the present moment. Since the sights and sounds around us often distract our minds, most meditation practices involve removing these stimuli by sitting in a quiet place with our eyes closed.

Even in a quiet setting, the mind will wander, especially in the beginning. This is why many meditation practices encourage us to focus on something—like our breath, a phrase, or an image. The goal is to gently bring our attention back to this anchor whenever we notice the mind drifting.

If you’re interested in starting a meditation practice, don’t let the variety of options make you think there is a "best" or "right" way to meditate. The best meditation practice is the one that makes you think, “Okay, I could see myself doing that.” The right way is simply to begin.

The common thread in all meditation practices is learning to be present. To do this, we use something to anchor us in the moment. What differentiates various types of meditation is simply the anchor that is chosen.

Read the full article on Substack

Assessing & Lowering Our EMF Exposure

3/31/2024

By Courtney Snyder, MD

Typically, with two-part newsletters, I first explain how a "root" cause contributes to brain symptoms and then, in the follow-up, discuss actionable steps. However, because the topic of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) can be anxiety-provoking for some, and there is already a lot of alarming content in functional medicine, I decided to begin with practical ways to assess and reduce EMF exposure. In the next newsletter, I'll dive into the research on how EMF impacts the brain and other parts of the body, the factors that increase susceptibility to EMF hypersensitivity, and strategies to lower that susceptibility.

EMF exists on a spectrum that includes ultraviolet (UV) light, visible light, infrared, and more. In this newsletter, I am focusing on:

Radio frequencies (RF): Wireless technology, cell phones, WiFi
Magnetic fields (MF): Motors, power lines
Electric fields (EF): Electrical wiring
Dirty electricity (DE): A mix of various frequencies

Most of the interventions I’ll cover are related to radio frequencies (RF), which are increasingly prevalent and considered the most harmful.

Read the full article on Substack

Why & How to Befriend Uncertainty

2/24/2024

cut paper, ink - Courtney Snyder

By Courtney Snyder, MD

While rarely discussed in psychiatry, our ability to accept the inevitable uncertainty of life is crucial to our overall well-being.

In this newsletter, I will explore:

The effects of clinging to certainty
Why individuals differ in their natural capacity to handle the unexpected
How to leverage neuroplasticity to rewire our relationship with the future (and the past)
Why embracing uncertainty is a proactive skill, not a passive one

Read the full article on Substack