Today we are talking to Dr Jonathan Prousky, a psychotherapist, published author and educator. Dr Prousky is also chief naturopathic medical officer and a professor. For the last 20 plus years, his practice has focused on mental health, an area he is deeply passionate about. Dr Prousky’s practice encompasses the comprehensive mental health issues; including anxiety, depression as well as more complex disorders such as psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar spectrum as well as conversion disorders.
Working with these patients can be mentally taxing, so we invited Dr Prousky to share what steps he takes to ensure he safeguards his own mental and physical well-being.
Key Take-Aways
- Anxiety and Depression in Patients Many of Dr Prousky’s patients are feeling separated from the world; they feel more alone and isolated due to recent restrictions. Patients suffer from anxiety and depression. Often they lack a regular, regimented, organized life. This has made it much more challenging to treat patients. It’s easy as a practitioner to “take your work home with you”, in spite of best efforts to stay objective.
- Circadian Periodicity and Health Regular circadian rhythms govern our biological and mental processes. Indeed, a litany of hormonal changes happen based on the light and darkness that shepherd us through the day. In the morning, typically we have high cortisol, testosterone and adenosine levels. In patients with sleep disturbances circadian rhythms are reversed or irregular which contributes to their stress and anxiety.
- Coping as a Practitioner Dr Prousky has the benefit of a good and stable practice as well as a sound home life. His wife, his daughters and his dog keep him feeling connected. His pet provides him with psychological grounding. This work and family provide the pillars of his well-being.
- Routine Dr Prousky believes strongly in maintaining a regular routine. He adheres to a disciplined schedule. He wakes at the same time every day, makes his bed and then enjoys a cup of coffee. He avoids eating except between noon and 6:00 PM to reduce the number of meals and his caloric load. He consumes a varied diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. He avoids processed foods such as chips, despite admitting a love for those salty delights.
- Exercise Dr Prousky commits himself to sixty minutes of exercise daily including nature walks, often with family. He also takes exercise with an elliptical machine and makes sure he works up a sweat. For Dr Prousky, exercising does as much for his mental health as his body.
- Supplements Dr Prousky prescribes himself multiple natural products, particularly psychotropic supplements. Included are ashwagandha, fish oil, St John’s Wort, passionflower, lavender, melatonin - and a multivitamin every day.
- Fun and Entertainment For fun, Dr Prousky is a huge hockey fan; one of his greatest hobbies is his commitment to the Toronto Maple Leafs (A testament to his mental resilience Ed.) He listens to music regularly favouring The Rolling Stones, U2, The Beatles, Earth, Wind and Fire and AC DC.
Key Quote
“It's important for people to realize that when I see a patient, I'm committed to them. But when the visit is over, I recommit myself to my complicated life.” Dr Jonathon Prousky
“I love being in my car just blasting the music and singing at the top of my lungs, sometimes even screaming. I love AC DC Thunderstruck.” Dr Jonathan Prousky
===
The opinions expressed in this Nutramedica program are those of the guests and contributors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Nutritional Fundamentals For Health Inc.
This video is intended for licensed or registered health professionals and students of health professions only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information contained in these programs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
