What a difference 30 years can make! If you would have told my younger self that I would be in the position I am today – I would not have believed you. You see, 30 years ago on Jun 9, 1994 I attempted suicide (the 1st of 3 attempts). It was a fateful day in my life in more ways than one. This past weekend was the anniversary of my “spiritual crisis”. Every year, I honour this day and 30 years down the road, my son has now graduated from high school at this same time of year. I have now replaced a negative with a positive in my life. I always wanted to be a mom, but as my dad liked to point out when I was in my late 20’s/early 30’s “well, you have no prospects of marriage in sight”. Honestly, I wasn’t sure whether to laugh, sigh or cry at that remark. Although, I know he was “teasing” it packed a lot of punch. I mean, who would want to marry me – someone with my mental health history and struggles that were ongoing as I hadn’t learned to manage my mind, address my trauma or support my health in any other way than taking pharmaceuticals.
I know that many struggle with their mental health – be it from anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, eating issues, bipolar disorders etc. And mental health doesn’t discriminate – it affects all ages & stages, all races, all levels of life. And while I have recovered over the last 30 years, the rates of mental health have continued to climb. For the past twenty years, when I give talks I say “mental health conditions are on the rise” and believe me, I would much rather say the opposite: that we have been doing such a great job as a society, health care professionals, teachers and parents, that instead, mental health conditions are on the decline. That is my mission and passion in life: to help others regain their mental health the way I have. However, it takes work. It takes an approach beyond the physical level. It takes an approach that looks at not only the food you eat, what you drink, how you sleep, if you exercise, etc, but also how you think and manage your emotions.
I recently had a new patient who has read Beyond the Label a few times write me this card before starting treatment:
Dr. Chris;
After 7 months on your waiting list - I'm pleased and honored to finally meet you! During that time, I really enjoyed reading your book "Beyond The Label" - a number of times! I am amazed and inspired by your keen insight and awareness throughout your journey!
You write with such intelligence, authenticity, warmth, love, empathy and compassion! You've given me the courage, support, and confidence to move forward in my search for true healing with a brighter future! I truly believe God has placed you alongside me, to foster and guide my health journey - moving forward! I applaud and admire you.
I'm excited and look forward to working with you!
As someone with lived experience with many mental health conditions and being hospitalized in psychiatric care for 1 year of my life in, please encourage someone you love to see an ND today. Recovery is possible. Healing is possible. I have delved deeply into my own soul to understand the turmoil I have faced. Today, I am privileged to help many patients who struggle with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and bipolar disorders. When I work with these patients, I discuss how the above areas need to be addressed to maintain mental wellness. My book “Beyond the Label” is a blueprint for the steps you can take to find balance in these 10 areas. If you want to dive deeper into these topics and take ownership of your health, get on the wait list for the next Moving Beyond the Label group coaching program by emailing [email protected].
