Speaking of Mental Health

Have you ever wondered if the food on your plate is doing more than just filling you up? The surprising truth is, nutrition plays a much bigger role in your mental health than most of us realize.In this episode of Speaking of Mental Health, Michelle sits down with Dr. Bonnie Kaplan, Professor Emerita at the University of Calgary. Over her 40-year scientific career, Dr. Kaplan has spent decades researching the biological roots of developmental disorders and mental health - especially focusing on how nutrition supports brain development and function.Dr. Kaplan, co-author of The Better Brain, shares science-backed insights into how key nutrients support brain function and emotional balance. Together, they explore why nutrition matters for mental health - and how simple, realistic lifestyle changes (not fancy or expensive diets) can make a big difference.In this episode, we cover:How nutrition impacts your brain, emotions, and mental healthEssential vitamins and nutrients your brain needs to thriveThe science behind food’s influence on mood and cognitionWhy cutting ultra-processed foods mattersRealistic strategies to overcome barriers to healthy eatingPractical tips to help you make simple changes for better brain healthJoin Michelle and Dr. Kaplan for an eye-opening conversation that could transform how you view food and mental health.To learn more about Dr. Kaplan’s research on nutrition and mental health, you can find additional resources here.

In this episode of Speaking of Mental Health, Michelle dives into a topic we often overlook—silence. It’s easy to think of silence as merely the absence of sound, but what if it’s actually a powerful tool for emotional clarity, self-reflection, and personal growth? Join Michelle as she speaks with Dr. Olga Lehmann, an author, educator, psychologist, and TEDx speaker who has dedicated her career to studying the power of silence in mental health. Known as the "Silentist," Dr. Lehmann unpacks how silence isn’t just a break from noise - it’s a powerful tool for cultivating mental well-being.Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the constant noise of your day? Or perhaps you crave more quiet but don’t know how to embrace it? In this episode, Dr. Lehmann shares why silence can be a game-changer for your mental health—helping you achieve greater mental clarity, emotional balance, and personal growth.In this episode we discuss:The many forms of silence—and what they each meanThe connection between silence and emotional well-beingHow silence can strengthen relationships and deepen self-awarenessPractical ways to invite more silence into your daily lifeWhy sitting with silence—even when it feels uncomfortable—can lead to personal growthJoin us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Olga Lehmann and discover how embracing silence could be the key to unlocking your mental health potential.

Loving and supporting someone with a mental illness or history of trauma can be incredibly challenging. It’s a delicate balance between offering care, setting healthy boundaries, and taking care of your own emotional needs. Yet, the experience of loved ones is often overlooked. So, how can we best support our loved ones while also prioritizing our own well-being? In this episode of Speaking of Mental Health, Michelle is joined by Dr. Michelle Sherman, a clinical psychologist and Fellow of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Sherman is an expert in couples and family psychology and has dedicated her 30+ year career to supporting families navigating mental illness and trauma. She offers invaluable insights into how loved ones can effectively manage caregiving, set healthy boundaries, and avoid compassion fatigue — all while taking care of themselves. Drawing from her extensive experience and insights from her new book, Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma, Dr. Sherman shares actionable strategies for finding the delicate balance between supporting others and prioritizing your own mental health. In this episode, we discuss: The emotional challenges of supporting someone who's struggling with a mental health condition or history of trauma How to set healthy boundaries and prioritize your own well-being while supporting someone else Practical ways to manage compassion fatigue and avoid burnout How to communicate effectively in sensitive situations while also honoring your own emotional needs The concept of anosognosia — when someone with a mental illness is unaware of or denies their condition — and how it can impact caregiving Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Michelle Sherman, and gain actionable insights into how you can take care of yourself while still supporting your loved ones.

Imposter syndrome affects many people, but it’s not always easy to recognize or address. We often hear people saying, "I feel like an imposter," but what does it really mean to experience imposter syndrome, and how can we break free from its grip to reclaim our confidence and self-worth? In this episode of Speaking of Mental Health, Michelle is joined by Dr. Valerie Young, one of the world's leading experts on imposter syndrome and co-founder of the Imposter Syndrome Institute. Valerie has spent over two decades studying the psychology behind imposter feelings, and she’s here to share her wealth of knowledge with us. Together, we explore the different ways imposter syndrome can manifest, debunk common misconceptions, and discuss its impact on our mental health. Valerie also offers practical strategies for overcoming imposter feelings, shifting our mindset, reframing self-doubt, and embracing our achievements with confidence. In this episode, we discuss: What imposter syndrome truly is, and how it can affect our mental health The various types of imposter syndrome and how they can manifest Practical tips for overcoming imposter feelings and shifting our mindset How to embrace your success, recognize your worth, and move beyond perfectionism Join us for an empowering conversation with Dr. Valerie Young that will help you understand imposter syndrome and take actionable steps toward greater self-acceptance and confidence.

Cultural identity can shape our sense of self and influence our mental health in profound ways. But what does it mean to navigate cultural identity, and how can it affect our mental well-being? In this episode of "Speaking of Mental Health," Michelle is joined by psychologist Haza Rahim. Having grown up as a bicultural and researching cultural identity and its impact on mental health, Haza brings both personal experience and a wealth of professional knowledge to our conversation Together, we dive into the complexities of cultural identity conflict, exploring how cultural backgrounds can both enrich and challenge our mental well-being. Haza shares her insights on the unique challenges bicultural individuals can face and emphasizes the importance of supporting cultural diversity and educating ourselves about these vital topics. In this episode, we discuss: The concept of cultural identity and its significance for mental well-being The challenges that can arise when navigating different cultural backgrounds and how cultural identity conflict can emerge The importance of staying curious and educating ourselves about cultural identity Practical insights on how to navigate cultural identity conflict and foster our own cultural journeys Join us for an enlightening conversation that seeks to broaden your perspective on how cultural identity influences mental health and how we can better support one another in our diverse experiences.

Resilience is often a central theme in discussions on mental health in the workplace. But what does resilience actually entail, and how can we build it to enhance both our work performance and mental well-being? In this episode of "Speaking of Mental Health," Michelle sits down with Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, an award winning work place mental health expert, psychologist, advisor and speaker. With over 20 years of experience and holding both a PhD and an MBA, Dr. Pelletier offers valuable insights into workplace mental health. Drawing from her acclaimed book, 'The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health,' she provides practical strategies for building resilience and enhancing professional success. In this episode, we discuss: The notion of burnout and it's implications What resilience entails and how it plays a vital role in mental health and helps us thrive at work Why resilience isn't a given, but something we can cultivate with the right plan and strategies in place The importance of being strategic when it comes to building resilience and how to create a personalized resilience plan Practical tips for cultivating resilience in our daily lives Join us for an insightful conversation on building resilience, and learn how to thrive in both work and life.

Grief is often an inevitable part of life, and while it can be seen as a rather universal experience, it can also be deeply personal with many nuances. But what does grief actually entail, and how can we navigate the complexities that accompany loss? In this episode of "Speaking of Mental Health," Michelle is joined by Dr. Henk Schut, an esteemed psychologist, researcher, and associate professor at Utrecht University. Henk has devoted the majority of his career to researching grief and debunking common myths surrounding it. He is renowned for his extensive experience and research on grief, including his co-development of the dual process model of coping with bereavement together with Margaret Stroebe.Together, we dive into the nuances of grief, exploring its many facets and the misconceptions that often surround it. Henk also shares his insights on grief and reflects on his 40 years of research in the field.In this episode, we discuss: The many nuances of grief and how it can impact our mental well-being Why grief isn't an illness but a normal process of life Common misconceptions about grief and why it's important to debunk them Why there is no quick fix or set recipe when it comes to dealing with loss The dual process model of coping with bereavement and how it offers a different perspective on the grief process Why it might be better to not listen to too much advice when trying to navigate grief How to support those dealing with lossJoin us for an insightful conversation to learn more about grief and help foster understanding and support for those navigating loss.

Are you worried about the mental health of a child or teenager in your life?In this episode of Speaking of Mental Health, Michelle sits down with clinical psychologist Stina Knudsen, who specializes in treating children and adolescents, to explore the mental health challenges young people are facing today and how we can best support them.Together they dive into the pressures of modern childhood, the influence of technology and social media, and what parents, teachers and caregivers can actually do to help.In this episode, we discuss:What's driving the rise in mental health challenges among young peopleThe impact of social media, technology and gaming on youth mental healthSigns to look out for when a child or teenager is strugglingHow parents, teachers and caregivers can offer meaningful supportPractical tips for nurturing the well-being of the younger generationIf there's a young person in your life you care about, this conversation is for you.

In society, we often talk about loneliness, but what does it actually mean to be lonely, and how can we manage it when it affects our mental well-being?In this episode of "Speaking of Mental Health," Michelle sits down with psychologist Anneke Vedder to unpack the complexities of loneliness. Anneke brings a wealth of expertise as an experienced mental health professional, lecturer, and researcher who is very passionate about loneliness and an expert on the topic.Together, we dive into the nuances of loneliness, exploring how it can affect our mental well-being, and discuss how we can navigate it.In this episode, we examine:What loneliness entails and how it can affect our mental well-beingThe difference between "social loneliness" and "emotional loneliness"How loneliness differs from solitudeHow our expectations play a vital role when it comes to lonelinessWhy it's important to acknowledge and normalize lonelinessPractical advice for navigating loneliness, seeking support, and establishing connectionsJoin us in this conversation to broaden your perspective on loneliness and gain insight into how you can navigate it.

Welcome to "Speaking of Mental Health," where clinical psychologist Michelle Lindhardt explores the complexities of mental well-being. Join Michelle as she sits down with seasoned mental health professionals and researchers to uncover diverse perspectives on various mental health related topics. Gain valuable insights to broaden your understanding of mental health and foster your own mental well-being. With each episode, this podcast serves as your guide for reflection, learning, and personal growth.Subscribe now and join our community to learn more about mental well-being!

Are you struggling with overthinking and finding it difficult to let go of your worries?In this first episode of Speaking of Mental Health, Michelle sits down with Shang Olsen, a clinical psychologist specializing in metacognitive therapy, to explore why we tend to worry and how we can learn to let go of it. Together they dive into the mechanisms of overthinking, the beliefs that drive it, and you can develop a more relaxed relationship with your own mind.In this episode, we discuss:Why it's completely normal to experience negative thoughtsWhat overthinking actually isHow metacognitive therapy offers a different perspective on managing our thoughts and inner experiencesThe underlying beliefs that drive worry and ruminationPractical tips for reducing overthinkingIf you have a tendency to worry and find it difficult to let go of it, this episode might just be for you.