My guest this week is Tara Bixby In this episode, Tara and I are going to explore mental health from a very unique lens:​​ using insights from older adolescents and adults in both acute inpatient psychiatric settings and the prison system to help us understand what's most important for supporting children who are struggling with mental health challenges. How do we need to think in a more flexible way about the effects of various inputs, experiences, genetic predispositions, and processing problems? This is important because they can all narrow the window of tolerance for individuals creating nervous system issues and dysregulation. We also discuss the problem with society’s medication mindset as the preferred treatment for mental health and we leave you with ideas and tips on how to start building lasting, stable mental health for all, no matter the background, age or developmental challenges. Tara Bixby is an anxiety coach, licensed therapist, and everyday girl on a mission to change the mental health narrative. After years of struggling alone in silence, Tara broke free from the beliefs and behaviors that were keeping her stuck. Now she helps other women heal their anxiety, regulate their nervous systems and find freedom from their symptoms through one-on-one coaching. She's also the host of the courageously.u podcast, where she has casual, yet introspective conversations with guests covering topics from mental health, hormonal health, body image, holistic wellness, trauma, substance abuse, and much more.   Connect with Tara Bixby   Insta: @courageously.u Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courageously.u Website: https://courageouslyu.com/       Episode Takeaways   Introduction to Tara Bixby & Studying Mental Health … 00:01:24 Mental Health-What We Are & Are Not Getting Right … 00:07:29 Fallout of Failing to Address Childhood Trauma … 00:09:57 Inpatient Psych in Childhood & Incarcerated Adults … 00:13:10 Regulating the Nervous System … 00:19:45 Individual Varying Window of Tolerance … 00:22:28 Why Trauma is a Spectrum … 00:29:45 Effects of Stress & Trauma: From Surgery to Diet … 00:34:40 Why Medication is Not “the” Solution for Mental Health … 00:36:40 Episode Wrap Up … 00:45:54           Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. Looking for more? Check out my Blog and Workshops. Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here. Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com