Breaking the Stigma Around Brain Health: Embrace Help, Embrace Healing

What if we told you that conditions like ADHD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder aren’t just emotional struggles, but real, measurable challenges within the brain? These conditions stem from complex neurological shifts, not personal shortcomings. And yet, despite their prevalence, a deep and persistent stigma still surrounds brain health.

Have you ever thought of your brain as a fuel tank? Is it full, running on just enough, or barely scraping by on fumes?

When our brain is running low, we experience brain fog, slower decision-making, reduced memory, and mood swings. It’s exhausting—and more than that, it’s dangerous. A depleted brain struggles to process information, adapt to challenges, and bounce back from life’s inevitable hits.

Do you ever worry about becoming forgetful? Losing your keys (again)? Struggling to find the right words mid-conversation? You’re not alone!

Cue the music... 🎶 Yes, most of us immediately think of that powerful moment in The Lion King when we hear “The Circle of Life.” And while we love that song too (seriously—who doesn’t?), at BrainThrive, we talk about a slightly different set of circles when it comes to your brain health.

What does our body weight have to do with brain health? A LOT!

Did you know that as body weight increases, brain size decreases? Dr. Daniel Amen, a world-renowned psychiatrist, calls this the “dinosaur syndrome”—a term highlighting the unfortunate truth that extra weight can lead to brain shrinkage. And brain shrinkage is exactly what we see in Alzheimer’s patients.

Hi! My name is Jane Hutchinson, and I’m a speech-language pathologist. Now, you might be wondering:
“What the heck is a speech pathologist doing talking about brain health?” I’m so glad you asked!