Anxiety: What to Do When Labs are Normal with Dr. Ellen Vora

300 "Anxiety: What to Do When Labs are Normal" with Dr. Ellen Vora In this episode, Dr. Kate Kresge is joined by Dr. Ellen Vora to explore holistic approaches to anxiety beyond physiological root causes. They discuss how mindful movement, play, connection, and emotional regulation—such as cry therapy—can serve as powerful tools in managing true anxiety. Emphasizing the importance of integrating mind, body, and spirit, this conversation offers practical strategies for clinicians and individuals looking to deepen their understanding and treatment of anxiety. You'll hear them discuss: The role of exercise, especially dance, in improving mood and mental health How movement combined with music influences the nervous system Differentiating between false (physiological) and true (purposeful) anxiety Practical tools for body-based emotional regulation, like shaking and breathwork The importance of play and joy in healing and well-being Cultivating social connection as a form of emotional detox Techniques for letting go of unresolved grief and practicing emotional detox The neuroscience behind crying and its healing effects The significance of embracing vulnerability and levity in mental health Guest Introduction: Dr. Ellen Vora is a Yale and Columbia-trained psychiatrist, author of The Anatomy of Anxiety , and a pioneer in holistic mental health approaches. She incorporates functional medicine, neurobiology, and spiritual insights to address anxiety and emotional well-being, emphasizing that mental health is deeply interconnected with physical health and lifestyle. Labs Mentioned: Hemoglobin A1C Folate and B12 levels Vitamin D levels Red blood cell magnesium levels GI mapping Inflammatory markers Supplements Mentioned: Magnesium Folate Guest and Sponsor Details: Dr. Ellen Vora's Website The Anatomy of Anxiety Book Fullscript (sponsor): fullscript.com Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction & Exercise as a Mood Booster 01:31 Overview of Practicing Whole Person Care with Fullscript 03:32 Recap of physio-psychological approach to anxiety 05:30 Lifestyle interventions for anxiety (sleep, blood sugar) 07:05 Addressing persistent anxiety after physiological stabilization 09:18 Understanding true vs. false anxiety 11:20 Honoring purposeful anxiety and making space for it 13:10 The role of social connection and community 15:34 Disarming control and embracing impermanence 19:42 Movement, shaking, and emotional release techniques 23:58 The neuroscience of joy, singing, and play 36:17 Reclaiming joy and levity in adult life 43:04 Connection as a remedy for loneliness and social support 47:46 Cultivating a grounding community influence 49:48 Letting go: grief, tears, and emotional detox 54:26 Crying as a healing tool and emotional release 55:49 Final thoughts and where to find Ellen