Mental HEALTH Break With Dr. Nafisa Sekandari

Dr. Nafisa Sekandari
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to Dr. Nafisa Sekandari’s Mental Health Break Podcast. Here we will cover a variety of mental health topics from Anxiety and Depression to interviews and talks. Some episodes are specifically made for the podcast, others come from live recordings of lectures and speaking engagements. Dr Nafisa Sekandari is a holistic and integrative clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety based disorders. Her podcast covers topics including the mental health crisis, anxiety, depression, the connection between food and mood, as well as natural and holistic treatment options for creating long term control of your anxiety….all while learning to prioritize your mental health. You will be empowered through having a deeper understanding of your mind in order to live your best life. This podcast will provide you with the practical tips and tools you need to help you take back control of your mental, physical, and emotional health. So take a moment to prioritize YOUR mental health.

  1. Why Eating Has Become So Confusing: Diet Culture, Social Media, and Raising Healthy Eaters

    6D AGO

    Why Eating Has Become So Confusing: Diet Culture, Social Media, and Raising Healthy Eaters

    Share your thoughts here! As part of The Happiness Project’s March theme: Parenting, this episode explores one of the most complicated topics families face today...food. In this powerful conversation, I sit down with eating disorder specialist Jessica Setnick to unpack why eating has become so confusing in modern culture. Between diet culture, viral wellness trends, and social media influencers promoting extreme or rigid ideas about “healthy eating,” many people feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even guilty about what they put on their plate. Jessica shares an important truth: anyone who eats can potentially develop a struggle with food. This episode explores how these cultural pressures impact both adults and children, why so many families are struggling with picky eating and food battles, and how parents can create a healthier environment around food at home. Because when it comes to raising healthy and emotionally secure kids, our relationship with food matters more than we realize. Throughout March, The Happiness Project is focusing on the theme of parenting and raising emotionally healthy children. Food is one of the earliest places children begin to develop beliefs about their bodies, control, comfort, and self-worth. The way families talk about food, weight, and health can shape a child’s relationship with eating for years to come. This conversation fits perfectly with our Parenting theme because it helps families: • Understand how children develop food beliefs  • Reduce stress and power struggles around meals  • Support kids who are picky eaters  • Avoid unintentionally passing down diet culture  • Create a calmer, healthier home environment around food When parents feel confident and informed, children are more likely to grow up with a balanced relationship with eating, their bodies, and themselves. In This Episode We Discuss • Why anyone who eats can potentially struggle with food • How diet culture has reshaped the way we think about eating • The confusing influence of social media nutrition advice • Why “clean eating” can sometimes become restrictive • The psychological impact of food rules and guilt • Early warning signs of disordered eating • Why picky eating develops in children • How parents can reduce mealtime stress • Ways to help kids build trust with hunger and fullness cues • What a healthy relationship with food actually looks like Key Takeaway Food should nourish our bodies....not create fear, shame, or confusion. When parents model flexibility, curiosity, and balance around food, children learn that eating is simply part of living well—not something to control or fear. About the Guest Jessica Setnick is a nationally recognized eating disorder specialist, registered dietitian, author, and educator who has spent decades helping individuals, families, and professionals better understand eating disorders and develop healthier relationships with food. If you’re enjoying these conversations, you’ll love being part of The Happiness Project community. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about the Happiness Project visit https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project

    48 min
  2. Parenting, Forgiveness & Healing Your Inner Child: How to Create More Happiness in Your Life

    MAR 6

    Parenting, Forgiveness & Healing Your Inner Child: How to Create More Happiness in Your Life

    Share your thoughts here! Parenting is one of the most powerful forces shaping our emotional well-being, but many people don’t realize that the way we relate to parenting, both as parents and as children, can deeply impact our happiness. In this episode, we explore the March theme of The Happiness Project: Parenting and why improving our parenting skills, healing our childhood wounds, and practicing forgiveness can dramatically increase our sense of peace, joy, and emotional freedom. Parenting doesn’t only apply to how we raise our children. It also includes how we re-parent ourselves, care for our inner child, and process the unmet needs we may still carry from childhood. Many of us were raised by parents who did the best they could with the tools they had, but that doesn’t mean our emotional needs were always met. Holding onto resentment, hurt, or unrealistic expectations can create emotional weight that affects our relationships, our stress levels, and our happiness. Learning to forgive our parents, forgive ourselves, and even forgive our children for not meeting our expectations can be incredibly freeing. When we release these emotional burdens, we create space for greater compassion, connection, and joy. In today’s world, parenting can feel incredibly overwhelming. A hundred years ago, families were surrounded by communities that helped raise children and supported parents emotionally and practically. Today, many people feel isolated and pressured to figure everything out on their own. But the truth is: you don’t have to do it alone. Seeking support, guidance, and connection can make a profound difference in your mental health, your parenting, and your overall happiness. That’s exactly why I created The Happiness Project Private Membership Community, a supportive space where we can learn, grow, and navigate life’s challenges together throughout 2026. Inside the community, we explore themes like parenting, relationships, forgiveness, stress management, emotional resilience, and personal growth so you can feel more grounded, supported, and empowered in your life. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or like you’re carrying emotional burdens from the past, this episode will help you start shifting toward healing, compassion, and greater happiness. If you haven’t joined us yet, I’d love for you to come check it out. Join the community here:  drsekandari.com/happiness-project And remember...if it’s not the right fit for you, you can cancel anytime. You deserve support, connection, and happiness. You don’t have to do this journey alone. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about the Happiness Project visit https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project

    8 min
  3. From Lost to Purpose: Helping Young Men Build Confidence, Identity, and Healthy Relationships

    FEB 27

    From Lost to Purpose: Helping Young Men Build Confidence, Identity, and Healthy Relationships

    Share your thoughts here! In this powerful and honest episode, we sit down with DJ Logory, founder of Be That Guy, to explore the growing mental health crisis among young men and how it’s impacting modern relationships. DJ shares his personal story of feeling lost in his early 20s despite having supportive parents—and how that experience opened his eyes to the silent struggles so many young men face today, including lack of direction, low confidence, and disconnection. This journey led him to create a movement that helps young men develop identity, purpose, and authentic self-confidence. We dive deep into the real conversations many people are afraid to have, including the effects of toxic masculinity, the overlooked impact of toxic femininity, and how both are contributing to a loneliness epidemic affecting both men and women. We also discuss the growing confusion around gender roles, dating, and how men and women relate to each other in today’s world. Additionally, we explore how the COVID era disrupted critical social development and communication skills, particularly for young men, and what that means for future relationships. This conversation offers a balanced, compassionate, and grounded perspective on mental health, identity, dating, masculinity, femininity, and emotional connection, giving listeners clarity, insight, and hope for building healthier relationships and a stronger sense of self. Follow DJ and learn more about the work he's doing by visiting: https://www.bethatguyclub.com/ Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about the Happiness Project visit https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project

    56 min
  4. Perimenopause & Menopause Nutrition: How to Boost Energy, Mood, and Metabolism with Alison Bladh

    FEB 20

    Perimenopause & Menopause Nutrition: How to Boost Energy, Mood, and Metabolism with Alison Bladh

    Share your thoughts here! In this empowering and informative episode, Dr. Nafisa Sekandari sits down with Alison Bladh—international best-selling author, registered Nutritional Therapist, and menopause expert—to unpack what women really need to know about perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health. Together, they explore how hormonal changes impact mood, energy, metabolism, and confidence—and why so many high-achieving women feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or “not like themselves” during this phase of life. Alison breaks down the critical role of nutrition in hormone balance, including why protein is essential for energy, muscle mass, metabolism, and mood—and the common mistakes women make when they either under-consume or follow extreme influencer-driven trends that promote unhealthy intake levels. You’ll also hear a clear, evidence-based conversation about creatine for women—what it is, how it supports muscle, brain health, and energy, and whether women in midlife should consider adding it to their routine. This episode is a must-listen for women who want to feel strong, confident, and vibrant in midlife—without falling into diet culture, misinformation, or burnout. In this episode, we discuss: The difference between perimenopause and menopause symptomsHow stress, hormones, and nutrition are deeply connectedWhy protein intake is critical in midlife—and how much you actually needThe dangers of following extreme influencer nutrition adviceThe science behind creatine for women (muscle, metabolism, brain health, and energy)Simple, realistic ways busy women can support their health without overwhelmHow to rebuild confidence, energy, and resilience in midlifeIf you’re navigating fatigue, weight changes, mood shifts, or brain fog—this episode will give you clarity, reassurance, and practical next steps. Connect with and follow Alison Bladh at https://www.alisonbladh.com/ Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about the Happiness Project visit https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project

    49 min
  5. Healing at the Root: Self-Love, Subconscious Beliefs, and Real Health with JJ Flizanes

    FEB 12

    Healing at the Root: Self-Love, Subconscious Beliefs, and Real Health with JJ Flizanes

    Share your thoughts here! What if lasting health, confidence, and fulfilling relationships don’t come from quick fixes, but from healing at the root? In this powerful episode, I’m joined by JJ Flizanes, celebrity fitness trainer and transformation expert, to explore the deep connection between self-care, self-love, mindset, and sustainable health. This conversation challenges diet culture, weight-loss obsession, and the pressure to achieve a “perfect body,” while offering a more holistic and empowering approach to well-being. JJ shares why investing in your health now creates a healthier future—and why shortcuts like medication dependency and GLP-1 weight loss drugs can pull us away from addressing the true causes of imbalance. We discuss the dangers of focusing solely on weight loss instead of prioritizing metabolic, emotional, and mental health. We also dive into the law of attraction and subconscious beliefs, exploring how hidden programming can sabotage health goals, relationships, and long-term success. While many people are good at attracting what they desire, JJ explains why unresolved emotional patterns can make it difficult to sustain results—whether in health, love, or life. If you’re ready to move beyond surface-level solutions and create real, lasting change through mind–body healing, this episode is for you. Free Gifts for Listeners: JJ generously offers two free resources: Visit jjflizanes.com/mm and use code JJFREEDownload the Feelings & Needs List at jjflizanes.com/feelingslist🎧 Tune in to learn how self-love, conscious health choices, and mindset shifts can transform your body, your relationships, and your future. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about the Happiness Project visit https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project

    54 min
  6. Choosing Happiness Despite the Chaos: Healing Your Relationship With Yourself, Others, and God

    FEB 3

    Choosing Happiness Despite the Chaos: Healing Your Relationship With Yourself, Others, and God

    Share your thoughts here! February inside The Happiness Project is all about relationships, not just with others, but with yourself and with God. In a world that often feels heavy, uncertain, and filled with doom-and-gloom headlines, it can feel almost rebellious to choose happiness. Yet in this episode, I explore why choosing happiness is not denial or avoidance,  it’s a powerful, grounded response that actually makes us better humans. When we choose happiness intentionally: We become clearer thinkers and better problem solversWe act from compassion rather than reactivityWe respond with wisdom instead of anger, fear, or revengeWe strengthen our ability to stay connected, even when the world feels disconnectedThis episode invites you to reflect on:  ✨ Your relationship with yourself, the inner dialogue you live with every day  ✨ Your relationships with others,  how emotional regulation improves connection  ✨ Your relationship with God, trusting, surrendering, and choosing faith over fear Rather than getting stuck in outrage, resentment, or despair about the state of the world, choosing happiness allows us to stay mentally clear, emotionally grounded, and spiritually aligned, so we can actually contribute solutions rather than adding to the noise. If this theme resonates, I invite you to join The Happiness Project inside the private membership community, where we go deeper into these monthly themes together. Through reflection, community support, and monthly live calls, we practice choosing happiness in real life, not as a concept, but as a way of being. 👉 Join here:  https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project Choosing happiness doesn’t mean ignoring reality.  It means meeting reality with clarity, compassion, faith, and inner strength. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about the Happiness Project visit https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project

    12 min
  7. Energy Medicine for Healing: How Clearing & Decluttering Your Energy Creates a Healthier, Happier YOU

    JAN 31

    Energy Medicine for Healing: How Clearing & Decluttering Your Energy Creates a Healthier, Happier YOU

    Share your thoughts here! January is often seen as a time for fresh starts—but real change doesn’t happen through willpower alone. It happens when we clear stagnant energy, declutter what no longer serves us, and intentionally create space for healing. In this powerful and grounded conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Sarette Zecharia , a psychologist and an expert in energy medicine, to explore how energetic clutter...both internal and external...can block healing, increase stress, and keep us stuck in old patterns. We dive into how energy medicine supports emotional, mental, and physical healing, and why January is the perfect time to reset your energy for a healthier, happier year. This episode aligns with January’s theme of clearing, decluttering, and intentional renewal, helping you understand that decluttering isn’t just about your home, it’s about your nervous system, emotional body, and energetic field. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, emotionally heavy, or simply craving a deeper reset, this episode will help you reconnect with your body’s wisdom and create energetic space for what you truly want to call in this year. In this episode, we cover: What energy medicine is and how it supports holistic healingHow emotional and energetic clutter impacts your mental and physical healthThe connection between decluttering your space and clearing your energyWhy January is a powerful time for energetic resets and new beginningsHow stress, trauma, and burnout can get stored in the body’s energy systemSimple ways to begin clearing stagnant energy in your daily lifeCreating space for clarity, calm, and intention in the new yearThis conversation is especially meaningful if you’re ready to move beyond surface-level self-care and explore healing at the root...mind, body, and energy. ✨ If you’ve been feeling “off,” stuck, or heavy lately, this episode will help you understand why—and what to do about it. You can learn more about Dr. Zecharia by visiting her website:  https://www.drzecharia.com/ Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about the Happiness Project visit https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project

    56 min
  8. The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: My First Flight with a Psychiatric Service Dog

    JAN 29

    The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: My First Flight with a Psychiatric Service Dog

    Share your thoughts here! Traveling for the first time with a psychiatric service dog is a completely different experience than traveling alone — and it’s not something most people truly understand until they live it. In this episode, I share the real, unfiltered experience of flying for the first time with my trained psychiatric service dog: the good, the bad, and yes… the ugly. Even with a well-trained dog, I found myself navigating unexpected stress, worry, and emotional load — wondering how he would react to crowds, how others would respond to him, how he’d behave during the flight, and what it would be like once we arrived at the hotel. This episode is for anyone considering traveling with a psychiatric service dog, especially if it’s your first time flying together. We’ll cover: What a psychiatric service dog actually is (and how it differs from emotional support animals and pets)Airline expectations and legal access vs. real-world experiencesThe pros and cons of flying with a service dogEmotional and mental challenges that come with being visibly “different” in public spacesWhat surprised me most — both positively and negativelyPractical tips to make your first flight smoother and less stressfulThis isn’t about discouraging you — it’s about preparing you with clarity, compassion, and confidence. If you rely on a service dog for anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks, trauma, or emotional regulation, this episode will help you feel less alone and more empowered before you ever step into an airport. ✨ Whether you’re planning your first trip or simply curious about what this journey looks like, this episode is for you. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about the Happiness Project visit https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project

    15 min
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About

Welcome to Dr. Nafisa Sekandari’s Mental Health Break Podcast. Here we will cover a variety of mental health topics from Anxiety and Depression to interviews and talks. Some episodes are specifically made for the podcast, others come from live recordings of lectures and speaking engagements. Dr Nafisa Sekandari is a holistic and integrative clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety based disorders. Her podcast covers topics including the mental health crisis, anxiety, depression, the connection between food and mood, as well as natural and holistic treatment options for creating long term control of your anxiety….all while learning to prioritize your mental health. You will be empowered through having a deeper understanding of your mind in order to live your best life. This podcast will provide you with the practical tips and tools you need to help you take back control of your mental, physical, and emotional health. So take a moment to prioritize YOUR mental health.

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