My friend and fellow holistic psychiatrist, Courtney Snyder, MD, and I have embarked upon a new project entitled “Two Holistic Psychiatrists Talking…” We plan on recording ourselves weekly discussing a variety of topics related to holistic psychiatry. Our inaugural conversation explores holistic approaches to self-care during this time of great uncertainty. Please let us know… [Continue reading]
Spirituality and Mental Health
Passover and Covid-19
This evening the eight day Jewish festival of Passover begins, which is celebrated with a ritual meal, the Seder, that symbolically recounts the dramatic story of the liberation of Jewish slaves in ancient Egypt. It’s a complex archetypal tale, full of magic , mystery and miracles, and laden with contemporary relevance. Once upon a time in ancient… [Continue reading]
Remembering to Turn on the Light
I collect blank books. When I see one that I like, I buy it, even though I have no specific or immediate use for it in mind. Then when the need for a journal arises, I go through my stash and select one that is apropos. My youngest child, YoYo, was sent home from college… [Continue reading]
Brain Health, the Immune System and Cultivating Resilience
Given my conviction that the vast majority of psychiatric conditions are caused by inflammation of the brain, most of the recommendations that I make to patients in my practice of holistic psychiatry are designed to support the immune system which decreases inflammation. Depression, anxiety, attentional difficulties, brain fog, and other cognitive changes are all mediated… [Continue reading]
The Astrology of 2020 and a Tribute to Ram Dass
Be Realistic. Expect a Miracle. Be Patient. The Impossible Takes Slightly Longer than the Difficult. Tonight is the seventh night of Chanukah, a Jewish festival of lights celebrating a miracle in very dark times. The Winter Solstice was a week ago, and on the day after Christmas, there was a new moon in the sign… [Continue reading]
