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The Yoga For Mental Health Podcast

The Yoga For Mental Health Podcast

By Catherine @yoganaraska

Welcome to The Yoga for Mental Health Podcast! This show is about all things mental health and how yoga can help you in your journey to feeling like your best self. Your host, Catherine, is a certified yoga teacher who has experienced chronic and mental health issues for many years. Our focus for the first season will be on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, and debilitating chronic mood disorder that I suffer from myself. This condition affects 1 in 20 menstruators, yet little is known about it's cause and there is no effective cure - only symptoms management.
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Episode 6: Phase Ed - PMDD & The Ovulatory Phase

The Yoga For Mental Health PodcastDec 10, 2021

00:00
09:29
Bonus Episode: Yoga Nidra For PMDD

Bonus Episode: Yoga Nidra For PMDD

Experience deep states of rest and relaxation with meditation for those with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Yoga Nidra, sometimes called 'yogic sleep', is a type of guided meditation that simply requires you to lie down in a comfortable position and listen. Studies show that practicing Yoga Nidra can reduce symptoms of depression & anxiety in those who suffer from menstrual disorders. Headphones or earbuds are recommended, as binaural music is included in this recording.  

***Get 4 free yoga classes for the phases of your PMDD cycle:***
https://www.yoganaraska.com/yogaforyourpmddcycle 

Exclusive Yoga For Your PMDD Cycle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaforyourpmddcycle

Join me on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/yoganaraska 

Join me on Instagram:  www.instagram.com/yoganaraska   

Learn more about Yoga Nidra & PMDD: www.yoganaraska.com/blog
https://www.yoganaraska.com/post/yoga-nidra-a-magical-tool-for-mental-health-menstrual-disorders

Learn more about PMDD/PME from the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders at www.iapmd.org  

*** Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional & the information given in this video is not meant to be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about making medical decisions. If you need to find a PMDD-informed physician or specialist, check out IAPMD's provider directory. I am a mental health and PMDD advocate, peer supporter, and certified yoga teacher. I believe in sharing factual, scientific, & evidence-based information, in addition to sharing my own personal experience. ***

Jan 26, 202236:13
Episode 9: Yoga Nidra - A Magical Tool For Mental Health & Menstrual Disorders

Episode 9: Yoga Nidra - A Magical Tool For Mental Health & Menstrual Disorders

What if I told you that you could spend 30 minutes lying down, awake, listening to a recording, and feel like you'd slept 3-4 hours? You CAN! With the magic of Yoga Nidra. Learn more about this wonderful practice, how it can support your mental health, & why it's helpful for those with menstrual disorders such as PMDD.  

Get 4 FREE PMDD yoga classes +  a guided meditation for PMDD:
https://www.yoganaraska.com/yogaforyourpmddycle
Exclusive Yoga For Your PMDD Cycle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaforyourpmddcycle
Check out the blog for links to studies mentioned in this video:  
https://www.yoganaraska.com/post/yoga-nidra-a-magical-tool-for-mental-health-menstrual-disorders
YouTube Channel (more free yoga!): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkixChANYcrO_N7-R_6DR_Q
Join me on Instagram:  www.instagram.com/yoganaraska  
Join me on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/yoganaraska  

Learn more about PMDD/PME from the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders at www.iapmd.org  

*** Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional & the information given in this video is not meant to be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about making medical decisions. If you need to find a PMDD-informed physician or specialist, check out IAPMD's provider directory. I am a mental health and PMDD advocate, peer supporter, and certified yoga teacher. I believe in sharing factual, scientific, & evidence-based information, in addition to sharing my own personal experience. ***

Jan 25, 202219:31
Episode 8: The Neuroscience of Yoga (Why It's Great For Mental Health, Especially PMDD!)

Episode 8: The Neuroscience of Yoga (Why It's Great For Mental Health, Especially PMDD!)

You've heard that you should practice yoga for your mental health...but no one ever tells you how or why! 

In this video I'll cover how yoga and meditation can change your brain's structure, bloodflow, activity, neurotransmitters, and brainwaves...and cover some studies on why yoga is particularly beneficial for those with menstrual disorders.  

Get 4 FREE yoga classes for your PMDD cycle: https://www.yoganaraska.com/yogaforyourpmddcycle

Check out the blog for links to the studies mentioned in this video:  
https://www.yoganaraska.com/post/the-neuroscience-of-yoga-why-it-s-great-for-mental-health-especially-pmdd

Exclusive Yoga For Your PMDD Cycle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaforyourpmddcycle
Join me on Instagram:  www.instagram.com/yoganaraska  
Join me on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/yoganaraska  

Learn more about PMDD/PME from the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders at www.iapmd.org 

 *** Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional & the information given in this video is not meant to be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about making medical decisions. If you need to find a PMDD-informed physician or specialist, check out IAPMD's provider directory. I am a mental health and PMDD advocate, peer supporter, and certified yoga teacher. I believe in sharing factual, scientific, & evidence-based information, in addition to sharing my own personal experience. ***

Jan 21, 202215:17
Episode 7: Phase Ed - PMDD & The Luteal Phase

Episode 7: Phase Ed - PMDD & The Luteal Phase

Sometimes Phys Ed just gives us the basics - how much do you really know about the menstrual cycle and how it affects your mental, physical, and emotional health? In this episode we will discuss what happens during the luteal phase of the cycle. Please note that this episode includes discussion of self-harm, intrusive thoughts, and suicide  

This is the hardest time of the cycle for those with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) - when all the symptoms hit at once. I've done my best to describe what it feels like, but it is a hard thing to describe when you're not actively experiencing it. How does it feel to you? Share your thoughts on social media so we can spread the word about PMDD.  

Check out the blog for links mentioned in this episode:  
https://www.yoganaraska.com/post/phase-ed-what-phys-ed-didn-t-tell-you-about-the-menstrual-cycle
Get 4 FREE yoga classes & a meditation for PMDD: www.yoganaraska.com/yogaforyourpmddcycle
Join the exclusive Yoga For Your PMDD Cycle Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/yogaforyourpmddcycle
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkixChANYcrO_N7-R_6DR_Q
Join me on Instagram:  www.instagram.com/yoganaraska  
Join me on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/yoganaraska 

Learn more about PMDD/PME from the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders at www.iapmd.org  

*** Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional & the information given in this video is not meant to be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about making medical decisions. If you need to find a PMDD-informed physician or specialist, check out IAPMD's provider directory. I am a mental health and PMDD advocate, peer supporter, and certified yoga teacher. I believe in sharing factual, scientific, & evidence-based information, in addition to sharing my own personal experience. ***

Dec 16, 202114:41
Episode 6: Phase Ed - PMDD & The Ovulatory Phase

Episode 6: Phase Ed - PMDD & The Ovulatory Phase

***Get your FREE ovulatory phase yoga class by signing up for my newsletter, link below!***  

Sometimes Phys Ed just gives us the basics - how much do you really know about the menstrual cycle and how it affects your mental, physical, and emotional health? In this episode we will discuss what happens during the ovulatory phase of the cycle. 

How does this phase feel for you?
Are you one of those people who experiences "mittelschmerz"?
Are you feeling confident and attractive, or a bit more emotional and sensitive?
How do you like to connect with your sensual self in this phase?
Let me know in the comments!  

Check out the blog for links mentioned in this episode:  
https://www.yoganaraska.com/post/phase-ed-what-phys-ed-didn-t-tell-you-about-the-menstrual-cycle 
Get 4 FREE yoga classes & a meditation for PMDD: https://www.yoganaraska.com/yogaforyourpmddcycle
Exclusive Yoga For Your PMDD Cycle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaforyourpmddcycle
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkixChANYcrO_N7-R_6DR_Q
Join me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/yoganaraska  
Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/yoganaraska

Learn more about PMDD/PME from the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders at www.iapmd.org  

*** Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional & the information given in this video is not meant to be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about making medical decisions. If you need to find a PMDD-informed physician or specialist, check out IAPMD's provider directory. I am a mental health and PMDD advocate, peer supporter, and certified yoga teacher. I believe in sharing factual, scientific, & evidence-based information, in addition to sharing my own personal experience. ***

Dec 10, 202109:29
Episode 5: Phase Ed - PMDD & The Follicular Phase

Episode 5: Phase Ed - PMDD & The Follicular Phase

Sometimes Phys Ed just gives us the basics - how much do you really know about the menstrual cycle and how it affects your mental, physical, and emotional health? In this episode we will discuss what happens during the follicular phase of the cycle. This is the time to get sh*t done! What are some things you do to prepare for your luteal and menstrual phases, when your energy is lower? What are your favourite types of exercise and movement in the follicular phase? Get in touch with me on social media and let me know!

Check out the blog for more links: https://www.yoganaraska.com/post/phase-ed-what-phys-ed-didn-t-tell-you-about-the-menstrual-cycle
Get 4 FREE yoga classes & a meditation for PMDD: https://www.yoganaraska.com/yogaforyourpmddcycle
Exclusive Yoga For Your PMDD Cycle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaforyourpmddcycle
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkixChANYcrO_N7-R_6DR_Q
Join me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/yoganaraska  
Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/yoganaraska

The most trusted source of PMDD info can be found at www.iapmd.org  

*** Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional & the information given in this video is not meant to be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about making medical decisions. If you need to find a PMDD-informed physician or specialist, check out IAPMD's provider directory. I am a mental health and PMDD advocate, peer supporter, and certified yoga teacher. I believe in sharing factual, scientific, & evidence-based information, in addition to sharing my own personal experience. ***

Dec 02, 202106:40
Episode 4: Phase Ed - PMDD & The Menstrual Phase

Episode 4: Phase Ed - PMDD & The Menstrual Phase

Sometimes Phys Ed just gives us the basics - how much do you really know about the menstrual cycle and how it affects your mental, physical, and emotional health? In this episode we will discuss what happens on your "period", or during the menstrual phase. Do you know most of these facts? What are your symptoms like at this time of the month? I would love to hear your thoughts, so get in touch with me on social media

Check out the blog for more links: https://www.yoganaraska.com/post/phase-ed-what-phys-ed-didn-t-tell-you-about-the-menstrual-cycle
Get 4 FREE yoga classes & a meditation for PMDD: https://www.yoganaraska.com/yogaforyourpmddcycle
Exclusive Yoga For Your PMDD Cycle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaforyourpmddcycle
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkixChANYcrO_N7-R_6DR_Q
Join me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/yoganaraska  
Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/yoganaraska

The most trusted source of PMDD info can be found at www.iapmd.org  

*** Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional & the information given in this video is not meant to be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about making medical decisions. If you need to find a PMDD-informed physician or specialist, check out IAPMD's provider directory. I am a mental health and PMDD advocate, peer supporter, and certified yoga teacher. I believe in sharing factual, scientific, & evidence-based information, in addition to sharing my own personal experience. ***

Dec 02, 202118:57
Episode 3: 3 Ways PMDD Affects Your Life (+1 Under-Considered Factor)

Episode 3: 3 Ways PMDD Affects Your Life (+1 Under-Considered Factor)

What separates PMDD from PMS is the degree to which it affects your life. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder that has mental, emotional, and physical symptoms. 1 in 20 menstruators suffer from PMDD. It is a severe and debilitating chronic illness that causes dysfunction in 3 main areas of life: home, school/work, and social life. I also believe that there is one under-considered factor, which we will discuss towards the end of the episode. If you have PMDD, does this ring true for you? Send me a voice message and let me know, or connect with me on social media (links below).

Timestamps:
0:48     Introduction
1:40     Overview of 3 Main Areas PMDD Affects Your Life
2:06     1) Home Life
8:31     2) School/Work Life
12:06   3) Social Life
14:40   Bonus Factor: Self-Esteem
15:53   Coming Up Next  

Check out the blog for more links: https://www.yoganaraska.com/post/3-ways-pmdd-affects-your-life-1-under-considered-factor
Get 4 FREE yoga classes & a meditation for PMDD: https://www.yoganaraska.com/yogaforyourpmddcycle
Exclusive Yoga For Your PMDD Cycle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaforyourpmddcycle
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkixChANYcrO_N7-R_6DR_Q
Join me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/yoganaraska  
Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/yoganaraska

The most trusted source of PMDD info can be found at www.iapmd.org which is a non-profit seeking to raise awareness for PME & PMDD.

*** Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional & the information given in this video is not meant to be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about making medical decisions. If you need to find a PMDD-informed physician or specialist, check out IAPMD's provider directory. I am a mental health and PMDD advocate, peer supporter, and certified yoga teacher. I believe in sharing factual, scientific, & evidence-based information, in addition to sharing my own personal experience. ***

Nov 22, 202117:01
Episode 2: My PMDD Story (& 4 Ways To Cope With PMDD)

Episode 2: My PMDD Story (& 4 Ways To Cope With PMDD)

In this video I'll talk about my experience with untreated Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), getting diagnosed, and trying treatments. I'll also share some of the barriers that prevent people from getting treatment, some things to avoid, and 4 tips to cope with PMDD.  

Does this story sound similar to yours? Or has your experience been different?
Say hi and let me know by sending a voice message, I'd love to hear from you. 

Timestamps: 
0:48 Introduction
1:12 What Is Having PMDD Like?
2:09 My Story: Pre-PMDD
2:31 My Story: Onset
3:39 My Story: Diagnosis
5:34 My Story: Treatment
6:56 My Story: Having Kids?
7:24 PMDD "Professionals"
7:41 PMDD & Gender Bias In Research
8:23 PMDD & The Medical Industry
10:00 PMDD & The Wellness Industry
11:12 My View on Yoga, Wellness, & PMDD
12:22 Tips On How To Cope With PMDD
12:31 1. Educate Yourself on PMDD
12:59 2. Advocate For Yourself With Your Doctors
14:44 3. Be Resilient & Try Many Treatments
16:38 4. Practicing/Teaching Yoga
17:35 Coming Up Next...
18:28 Like, Subscribe, Share, Say Hi!   

Check out the blog for more links: https://www.yoganaraska.com/post/my-pmdd-story-part-1
Get 4 FREE yoga classes & a meditation for PMDD: https://www.yoganaraska.com/yogaforyourpmddcycle
Exclusive Yoga For Your PMDD Cycle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaforyourpmddcycle
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkixChANYcrO_N7-R_6DR_Q
Join me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/yoganaraska  
Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/yoganaraska

Learn more about PMDD/PME from the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders: www.iapmd.org  

*** Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional & the information given in this video is not meant to be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about making medical decisions. If you need to find a PMDD-informed physician or specialist, check out IAPMD's provider directory. at www.iapmd.org/provider-directory . I am a mental health and PMDD advocate, peer supporter, and certified yoga teacher. I believe in sharing factual, scientific, & evidence-based information, in addition to sharing my own personal experience. ***

Nov 19, 202119:06
Episode 1: Could You Have PMDD? 11 Signs of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Episode 1: Could You Have PMDD? 11 Signs of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Do your periods made you feel "crazy"?
Do you feel anxious and depressed in the week or two leading up to your period?
Do you feel as though you spend half of your time out of control, and the other half just picking up the pieces?  

You could be one of 1 in 20 menstruators who suffer from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or PMDD.

PMDD is a chronic and debilitating mood disorder that is characterized by mental, emotional, and physical symptoms that appear during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. It is thought to be an abnormal response to the normal changes in hormones that happen during the menstrual cycle. It is not a hormone imbalance, rather a severe negative reaction to fluctuation in hormones.   Learn more about PMDD and it's 11 symptoms in this episode. We will also discuss some basics concerning diagnosis and treatment.

PS - Apologies for the strange audio at times, still learning the software, but I'll have it sorted by episode 2!

Timestamps:
0:48 Introduction
1:31 How is PMDD Different Than PMS?
1:42 Statistics About PMDD
3:25 Symptoms of PMDD
4:20 Mental Health Symptoms & Common Misdiagnoses
5:43 How To Get Diagnosed
6:25 What To Bring To The Doctors Office
7:00 Comorbid Conditions & Premenstrual Exacerbation
7:59 Treatment Overview
9:39 Where to Find More Info
10:46 Info About Upcoming Online Yoga Course  

Check out the blog for more links:
 
https://www.yoganaraska.com/post/could-you-have-pmdd
Get 4 FREE yoga classes & a meditation for PMDD: https://www.yoganaraska.com/yogaforyourpmddcycle
Exclusive Yoga For Your PMDD Cycle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaforyourpmddcycle
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkixChANYcrO_N7-R_6DR_Q
Join me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/yoganaraska  
Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/yoganaraska

Learn more about PMDD/PME from the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders: www.iapmd.org  

*** Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional & the information given in this podcast is not meant to be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about making medical decisions. If you need to find a PMDD-informed physician or specialist, check out IAPMD's provider directory at www.iapmd.org/provider-directory. I am a mental health and PMDD advocate, peer supporter, and certified yoga teacher. I believe in sharing factual, scientific, & evidence-based information, in addition to sharing my own personal experience. ***

Nov 16, 202111:49
Pilot Episode: Welcome To The Show!

Pilot Episode: Welcome To The Show!

Hello, and welcome to The Yoga For Mental Health Podcast! 

This short episode will introduce you to the show and what it's all about...you guessed it, yoga and mental health!

Thanks for joining me, please subscribe if you're interested in these topics and stay tuned for more episodes coming soon.

Check out my blog for more:  https://www.yoganaraska.com/blog
Get 4 FREE yoga classes & a meditation for PMDD: https://www.yoganaraska.com/yogaforyourpmddcycle
Exclusive Yoga For Your PMDD Cycle Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaforyourpmddcycle
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkixChANYcrO_N7-R_6DR_Q
Join me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/yoganaraska
Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/yoganaraska

*** Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional & the information given in this podcast is not meant to be taken as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about making medical decisions. If you need to find a PMDD-informed physician or specialist, check out IAPMD's provider directory at www.iapmd.org/provider-directory. I am a mental health and PMDD advocate, peer supporter, and certified yoga teacher. I believe in sharing factual, scientific, & evidence-based information, in addition to sharing my own personal experience. ***

Nov 16, 202103:57