Are Dogs Teaching Us Something about Mental Health? Nurse Practitioner Deana Cook & Two French Bulldogs are Helping Kids (and Adults) Open Up about Anxiety

Have you ever experienced anxiety or depression? ...Yeah, we have, too.*Startling statistics show a recent surge in mental health disease, particularly in younger populations. According to the CDC, Suicide is now...- The #1 leading cause of death for 14 to 15 year olds.- The #2 leading cause of death in  15 to 19 year olds, and...- As of 2021, the #2 leading cause of death in 20 to 34 year olds.Deana Cook is a Nurse Practitioner (MSN, ANP-BC) with over 20 years experience in the medical field and, more recently, has shifted her professional focus from oncology to health promotion and disease prevention. She joins Kristine and Ryan in this episode to discuss her creative projects that have opened up the conversation about mental health and physical wellness, among many other topics. In 2022, Deana wrote and published a groundbreaking children's book about anxiety and mental health, using her two famous & adorable French Bulldogs as main characters. Her first book, "Why is Ruby Barking" poignantly teaches kids (and adults) the importance of mental health awareness, self-love, and social support. Her second book, "We Want to Keep Playing," educates kids about how to take care of their physical health and well-being during cold/flu season. Topics Discussed:- All about the pups, Bella & Ruby, of course. :)- Mental health challenges facing children, adolescents & adults alike. - How kids are using Deana's books to open up about their mental health. - How diet is a sneaky instigator of anxiety, along with ways to cope. - The surprising new research around gut health & its links to mental health disease.- The spiritual importance of facing our patterns & becoming conscious. - And much more!"Adventures of Bella and Ruby"Books, Plushies, & Gifts: www.adventuresofbellaandruby.comIG: www.instagram.com/bellalovesrubyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bella.loves.rubyAuthor: Deana Cook, MSN, ANP-BC Ryan HaganIG: www.instagram.com/[email protected] Erickson, Ph. D.IG: www.instagram.com/[email protected] contact & booking inquiries:Podcast E-mail: [email protected]*IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISIS, PLEASE TEXT OR CALL THE SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE AT 988.