Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives  
June 2014


 

Last month, I had the honor of meeting Dr. James Gordon; a Harvard educated psychiatrist, and a world-renowned expert in using mind-body medicine to heal depression, anxiety, and psychological trauma. He is the Founder and Director of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, and served as Chairman of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy. Dr. Gordon has devoted over 40 years to the exploration and practice of mind-body medicine.

 

In his book, Unstuck: Your Guide to the Seven-Stage Journey Out of Depression, Dr. Gordon states that depression is not an end point, a disease over which we have no control. It is a sign that our lives are out of balance, that we are stuck. It's a wake-up call and the start of a journey that can help us become whole and happy, one that can change and transform our lives.

 

My journey through depression is a testament to Dr. Gordon's wisdom. I find it fascinating that me, a woman with no clinical expertise, and Dr. Gordon, a Harvard trained psychiatrist and world-renowned expert in mind-body medicine have both arrived at the same realization that holistic practices such as breath work, meditation, nutrition, exercise/movement, nurturing relationships, sleep and social support are very effective in promoting mental health and wellness. Self-care is the best care!

 

Wishing you wellness, 

   

Gayathri Ramprasad, MBA, CPS
Founder & President, ASHA International
Gayathri Signature
I am a huge fan of Dr. Andrew Weil, a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, and bestselling author of many books on holistic wellness. Reading
Spontaneous Happiness, I was deeply inspired by his courage to share his struggles with depression, and grateful for his valuable insights on the healing power of breath work, mindfulness, psychotherapy, Buddhist psychology, nutrition and several other mind-body techniques to help us live healthy, happy lives. 
Dr. Weil's revolutionary approach will shift the paradigm of emotional health and help all of us achieve greater contentment in life. Learn more...

Around the world, people with psychiatric illness and their families dearly want solutions to alleviate their symptoms and to help them resume high-quality lives. Medications can help most mental illness sufferers, but not all, and usually not completely. At the International Mental Health Research Organization (IMHRO), we work hard every day to promote research to improve such solutions. Although dramatic improvements in medical treatments are possible, they may take some time to develop. For now, however, there are some emerging approaches to mental wellness which can assist many to cope with their conditions and improve their outlook.
Holistic Mental Wellness Practices: Gayathri Ramprasad (uncut version)
Holistic Mental Wellness Practices: Gayathri Ramprasad (uncut version)
 
SHADOWS IN THE SUN
HEALING FROM DEPRESSION AND FINDING THE LIGHT WITHIN
by Gayathri Ramprasad

   "Mental illness recognizes no borders, yet few books have explored the difficulties of individuals dealing with cultural differences and none has done it better than SHADOWS IN THE SUN. Beautifully written, Gayathri Ramprasad chronicles the devastating impact that depression reeks on an entire family and then brings us into the light with her inspiring story of recovery. This book is a true gift to all those struggling with a mental disorder and those of us who love them. In writing it, Gayathri Ramprasad establishes herself as an international voice of hope."
  

-Pete Earley, author of CRAZY: A Father's Search Through America's Mental Health Madness

 Shadows in the Sun is now available at Hazelden,Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, Powell's Books and other major bookstores in print and e-books.
 To learn more about the book, read an excerpt, and reviews, please  click here...   
In This Issue
Spontaneous Happiness
Holistic Approaches to Mental Wellness
SHADOWS IN THE SUN
Real People, Real Recovery
Upcoming Events
About Us
Real People, Real Recovery
Profiles of Courage, Hope & Resilience 

Meghan's Story 
Recovery is Possible
Recovery is Possible
 
Upcoming Events:  

September 15, 2014
Wellness Workshop & Book Signing by Gayathri Ramprasad
White Plains Youth Bureau, White Plains, NY

October 3, 2014
Random House India will publish Shadows in the Sun: Healing from Depression and Finding the Light Within by Gayathri Ramprasad

October 8, 2014

Wellness Workshop & Book Signing by Gayathri Ramprasad

Hazelden Betty Ford Women's Symposium -Minneapolis, MN

Location:  University of Minnesota, McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455

 

October 29, 2014

Keynote & Book Signing by Gayathri Ramprasad

Sheppard Pratt Health System - Baltimore, MD

 

November 3, 2014  

Wellness Workshop & Book Signing by Gayathri Ramprasad

Hazelden Betty Ford Women's Symposium -

Chicago, IL

Location:  Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, 221 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60601

 

December 6, 2014

Wellness Workshop & Book Signing by Gayathri Ramprasad

Hazelden Betty Ford Women's Symposium -

Bonita Springs, FL

Location:  Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

 
About Us:
ASHA International's mission is to promote personal, organizational, and community wellness through culturally-responsive mental health education, training, and support.

GET INVOLVED.
You can make a difference!

 
PLEASE NOTE:

Gayathri Ramprasad, MBA, CPS, is not a doctor, therapist or health care professional. She is a mental health advocate and Certified Peer Specialist (CPS). The information shared in this E-mail is for general information purposes only and therefore not intended to replace the medical advice afforded by physicians or other healthcare professionals.   

Dear friends, 
 
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