Ep 372 When the Body Speaks: Trauma, the Nervous System, and Mental Health Recovery
Tue Feb 03 2026
On today's episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Christina Bjorndal ( @drchrisbjorndal), a naturopathic doctor, author, and mental health expert, for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about healing beyond diagnoses.
Dr. Christina shares her personal journey through depression, bipolar disorder, suicide attempts, and recovery, and how those experiences shaped her integrative approach to mental health and whole-person healing. Together, we explore the profound connection between the mind, body, nervous system, and spirit, and why true healing requires more than symptom management.
In this episode, we talk about how trauma, nutrition, gut health, stress, and unexamined thought patterns can influence mental health and fertility. Dr. Christina also explains why labels can be limiting, how epigenetics shapes our health beyond genetics, and why cultivating self-compassion and safety in the body is foundational to healing.
This conversation offers hope, perspective, and practical insights for anyone navigating mental health challenges, fertility struggles, or the pressure to "fix" themselves instead of understanding what their body is asking for.
Key Takeaways:
Mental health diagnoses describe symptoms, not root causes Healing requires addressing the nervous system, not just the mind Thoughts directly influence physiology through stress hormones and immune function Epigenetics explains how environment, trauma, and lifestyle shape health outcomes Digestion and nutrition depend on nervous system regulation, not just food choices Self-compassion and self-acceptance are essential, not optional, for healing Hope and possibility are powerful forces in recovery and fertility journeys
Guest Bio:
Dr. Christina Bjorndal ( @drchrisbjorndal), ND is a naturopathic doctor, mental health advocate, gifted speaker, and best-selling author who blends clinical expertise with lived experience. Drawing from her personal journey through depression, anxiety, bulimia, bipolar disorder type 1, cancer, and surviving multiple suicide attempts, she offers a deeply compassionate and integrative approach to mental health.
Trained in naturopathic and mind-body medicine, Dr. Christina focuses on whole-person healing, addressing the nervous system, nutrition, trauma, and self-compassion. She is the author of Beyond the Label: 10 Steps to Improve Your Mental Health with Naturopathic Medicine and the creator of two educational programs supporting both individuals and clinicians in moving beyond mental health labels.
Connect with Dr. Christina Bjorndal:
Website: https://drbjorndal.com
Instagram: @drchrisbjorndal
Facebook: Dr. Christina Bjorndal
Twitter/X: @drbjorndal
YouTube: Christina Bjorndal
Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fertility care.
Ready to discover what your body needs most on your fertility journey?
Take the personalized quiz inside The Wholesome Fertility Journey and get tailored resources to meet you exactly where you are:
To find out more about our Fertility Coaching Certification Program, click here: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewholesomefertilitymethodcertification
https://www.michelleoravitz.com/the-wholesome-fertility-journey
For more about my work and offerings, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com
Curious about ancient wisdom for fertility? Grab my book The Way of Fertility:
https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility
Join the Wholesome Fertility Facebook Group for free resources & community support:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/
Connect with me on social:
Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility
Facebook: The Wholesome Lotus
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On today's episode of The Wholesome Fertility Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Christina Bjorndal ( @drchrisbjorndal), a naturopathic doctor, author, and mental health expert, for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about healing beyond diagnoses. Dr. Christina shares her personal journey through depression, bipolar disorder, suicide attempts, and recovery, and how those experiences shaped her integrative approach to mental health and whole-person healing. Together, we explore the profound connection between the mind, body, nervous system, and spirit, and why true healing requires more than symptom management. In this episode, we talk about how trauma, nutrition, gut health, stress, and unexamined thought patterns can influence mental health and fertility. Dr. Christina also explains why labels can be limiting, how epigenetics shapes our health beyond genetics, and why cultivating self-compassion and safety in the body is foundational to healing. This conversation offers hope, perspective, and practical insights for anyone navigating mental health challenges, fertility struggles, or the pressure to "fix" themselves instead of understanding what their body is asking for. Key Takeaways: Mental health diagnoses describe symptoms, not root causes Healing requires addressing the nervous system, not just the mind Thoughts directly influence physiology through stress hormones and immune function Epigenetics explains how environment, trauma, and lifestyle shape health outcomes Digestion and nutrition depend on nervous system regulation, not just food choices Self-compassion and self-acceptance are essential, not optional, for healing Hope and possibility are powerful forces in recovery and fertility journeys Guest Bio: Dr. Christina Bjorndal ( @drchrisbjorndal), ND is a naturopathic doctor, mental health advocate, gifted speaker, and best-selling author who blends clinical expertise with lived experience. Drawing from her personal journey through depression, anxiety, bulimia, bipolar disorder type 1, cancer, and surviving multiple suicide attempts, she offers a deeply compassionate and integrative approach to mental health. Trained in naturopathic and mind-body medicine, Dr. Christina focuses on whole-person healing, addressing the nervous system, nutrition, trauma, and self-compassion. She is the author of Beyond the Label: 10 Steps to Improve Your Mental Health with Naturopathic Medicine and the creator of two educational programs supporting both individuals and clinicians in moving beyond mental health labels. Connect with Dr. Christina Bjorndal: Website: https://drbjorndal.com Instagram: @drchrisbjorndal Facebook: Dr. Christina Bjorndal Twitter/X: @drbjorndal YouTube: Christina Bjorndal Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or fertility care. Ready to discover what your body needs most on your fertility journey? Take the personalized quiz inside The Wholesome Fertility Journey and get tailored resources to meet you exactly where you are: To find out more about our Fertility Coaching Certification Program, click here: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewholesomefertilitymethodcertification https://www.michelleoravitz.com/the-wholesome-fertility-journey For more about my work and offerings, visit: www.michelleoravitz.com Curious about ancient wisdom for fertility? Grab my book The Way of Fertility: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility Join the Wholesome Fertility Facebook Group for free resources & community support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2149554308396504/ Connect with me on social: Instagram: @thewholesomelotusfertility Facebook: The Wholesome Lotus