You may not know about Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), but you probably know someone with the disorder. Listen as Dr. Topaz takes a deep dive on this often-misunderstood condition with Saviour Achilike, MD MPH, a board certified neurologist. He has always seen practicing medicine as a sacred vocation, an extension of his faith, and takes seriously the trust placed on him by families/patients. FND affects how the brain and nervous system work. Those who experience FND often have symptoms that cannot be explained medically. Saviour compares FND to a computer with faulty software. He also brings awareness to the fact that FND comes with a stigma, with many who have the condition accused of faking their symptoms. FND is more commonly diagnosed in women. Don’t be afraid to discuss FND with your medical provider.

Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives, no matter your age! Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better.

Join us, Sis!

From a mental health perspective, sometimes a change of environment and pace is just what the doctor ordered. Dr. Topaz recently traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, and she took the show on the road…literally. If you follow Dr. Topaz on social media, you probably spotted her recent posts from her adventures at the She’s Got Time Summit (a professional ecosystem for women building careers across sports) and the NBA Summer League. She was ‘walking the talk’, living out loud, and doing things that she really enjoys. Dr. Topaz embodied the advice that she and many of her guests have shared over the past few months. She showed up for herself, and flexed a myriad of WNBA jerseys throughout her trip. (Shout out to Sheryl, her favorite WNBA player, for this recording!)

Listen as Dr. Topaz sat in the ‘hot seat’ with Yvonne Harris & Drew Lasker, founders of 21 Media, as they discussed a variety of topics related to the of intersections with mental health and sports.

As an added plus, Dr. Topaz was also a guest on the Crossover the Pond podcast, where she talked more about mental health issues impacting performance & athletics. That episode will drop soon. Be sure to check it out.

Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives, no matter your age! Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better.

Join us, Sis!

Nowadays, people are living longer. The quality of someone’s life as they enter their geriatric season is a direct result of both their physical and mental health. Dr Topaz recently talked with Dr. Kristin Jones, who is double board certified in adult and geriatric psychiatry. Dr. Jones underscores the importance of not labeling mental health issues in the elderly as just ‘getting old’. Seniors experience depression and anxiety just like other age groups, but the symptoms may not manifest the same ways that they do for our youth or middle-aged adults. Your children cannot be a litmus for how mental health concerns will show up in your parents. The inability to manage daily functions, and a pronounced lack of interest in activities once enjoyed, Dr. Jones cautions us to view as possible mental health concerns. Depression and anxiety are not a normal part of aging.

The topics discussed in this episode will really hit home for those who identify as being a part of the sandwich generation, adults who care for both their children and their parents. Now that we know different, let’s support our elderly differently.

Let’s establish an interconnected community that is committed to creating strong minds and soft lives, no matter your age! Listening to this podcast is an investment in yourself. And when you are better, we are all better.

Join us, Sisters…and Grandmothers, and Great Aunties too!