#297 One Mental Health Tip From Every Expert

Dr Amrita Vijay is a leading scientific advisor and researcher specialising in the intersection of diet, the gut microbiome, and health. With a strong background in conducting nutritional interventions in both India and the UK, Dr Vijay explores how food influences inflammation, mood and overall well-being. Dr Vijay was recently awarded the Best Research Award from the University of Nottingham. Passionate about translating cutting-edge science into practical strategies, Dr Vijay is dedicated to empowering individuals with evidence-based insights on how diet and lifestyle can optimise health and well-being.

Drew Ramsey, MD is a leading innovator in mental health, combining clinical excellence, nutritional interventions and creative media. He is an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and in active clinical practice in New York City.

Megan is a Registered Dietitian with a PhD in gut health from the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Queensland, Australia. Megan’s PhD was recognised for its contribution to science receiving the Dean’s Award for excellence.

Dr Miguel is a clinical neuroscientist and applied microbiologist with a longstanding background in human nutrition, whose experience spans over two decades of work in both clinical and non-clinical roles in healthcare, science, and technology. He’s a specialist in the art of translation of gut health and mental health science into plain English, democratising access to complex concepts so that people from all walks of life can benefit from his knowledge. Born in Madrid in 1970s but based in the UK since the mid-90s, Dr Miguel represents a rare intersection of science and creativity. His work is emblematic of the spirit of Generation X, blending traditional methodologies with innovative approaches.

Dr Miguel’s work focuses on approaching the connection between the human gut microbiome and brain / mental health from a transdisciplinary perspective. This was the theme of his doctoral degree, for which he received the prestigious Santander Bank’s “Work-Based Learning Award” in 2016. His commitment to this emerging field of study has resulted in an extensive contribution through published works, conference talks and public speaking appearances, all of which make him one of the indisputable leading voices in gut-brain health in the UK and beyond.  

In 2020, Dr Miguel burned out. In the middle of a terrifying nervous system meltdown, he had the most wonderful “a-ha!” moment. As a scientist, he was able to match what the literature says about stored trauma with his own personal experience, realising the far-reaching consequences of adverse childhood events on and beyond the gut. This time in Dr Miguel’s life - leading to his late diagnosis with ADHD and autism - provided him with the opportunity to layer a trauma- and lived-experience-informed approach over the evidence-based practice approach that he’d been used to for years. He will discuss this in this podcast episode, alongside why he firmly believes science should now be focusing on the “brain to gut” downstream communication branch of the gut-brain axis, rather than on the “gut / microbes to brain” branch, about which we know a fair amount already. 

According to Dr Miguel, the top healthy habits for a fulfilling life include eating fermented foods daily, connecting with people who bring you joy and ditching those who are toxic, walking in nature, and giving back to the communities one belongs to. As part of his giving back, Dr Miguel is the Neurodiversity Lead of the Primary Care & Community Neurology Society (also known as the Person-Centred Neurosciences Society), and he supports youth mental health programmes at the London-based Body & Soul charity. He also holds an honorary research fellow position at the School of Psychology, Cardiff University.

Dr Gadelrab is a Consultant Psychiatrist at South London and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and a Senior Clinical Research Fellow at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) researching new treatments for depression and Bipolar disorder.

With a special interest in the effects of technology on our mental health, Dr Romayne co-chairs the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Digital Special Interest Group and also works as an Honorary Doctor at the National Centre for Internet Gaming Disorders.

Education:
Dr Gadelrab is a graduate of the Royal Free & University College London Medical School and also obtained an Intercalated BSc Management from Imperial College University Business School. She has spent over three years as a clinical research fellow at the IoPPN researching novel treatments for affective disorders including Ketamine for depression.

Specialisms:
Anxiety & Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Addictions, in particular gaming addiction
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Julia Samuel is a psychotherapist specialising in grief, who has spent the last twenty-nine years working with bereaved families. She has worked both in private practice and in the NHS at St Mary’s Hospital Paddington where she pioneered the role of maternity and paediatric psychotherapist. In 1994 she helped launch and establish the charity Child Bereavement UK, and continues her role as Founder Patron.

Julia was awarded an MBE in the 2015 New Year’s Honours list for services to bereaved children. Julia is the author of the best-selling book: Grief Works: Stories of Life, Death and Surviving. She is a Vice President of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and is an Honorary Doctor of Middlesex University.

Grief Works App

Mr. Kiran Chopra is a highly skilled Sport and Exercise Physiologist specialising in physiological testing, evaluation, and strength and reconditioning programming. His expertise lies in working with both athletic and non-athletic populations, providing tailored programming to optimise performance and improve overall physical well-being. He has a strong research interest in muscular physiology, environmental performance physiology, and blood flow restriction training, particularly focusing on ischemic preconditioning.n He completed his Honours Bachelor's degree in Sport and Exercise Science from the Institute of Technology, Carlow (now South Eastern Technological University) in 2018. Subsequently, he pursued a Master of Science degree in Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology at St. Mary's University, Twickenham in 2019. As a BASES-accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist and Chartered Scientist (CSci) with The Science Council, Kiran possesses a diverse range of certifications. These include anthropometry (the measurement of the human body), phlebotomy (blood collection), and ECG interpretation (electrocardiogram).

TJ Power is an esteemed neuroscientist, renowned international speaker, and co-founder of Neurify, a prominent organisation at the forefront of the mental health sector. Neurify specialises in providing accessible and scientifically-backed teachings to enhance the management of mental health.

About TJ

Having commenced his career as a psychology lecturer at the highly-regarded University of Exeter, TJ recognised a significant gap in the available mental health support within educational institutions and corporate environments. With a mission to empower individuals and equip them with the necessary tools for positive change, TJ has delivered countless impactful keynotes across the United Kingdom and on the international stage. Attendees of his presentations consistently report feeling empowered, motivated, and equipped to cultivate their mental well-being.

TJ has gained significant recognition for his groundbreaking approach to mental health, particularly in the face of the challenges posed by our modern, digitally-driven lives. Notably, he has achieved remarkable success in implementing his strategies within renowned companies such as Coca Cola and the National Health Service (NHS), dismantling the barriers between our lifestyles and the well-being of our minds.

TJ's influence extends beyond physical engagements, as evidenced by his substantial and ever-growing social media following. With over 250K followers on Instagram alone, TJ possesses a remarkable ability to communicate the intricacies of neuroscience in a manner that resonates with individuals of all ages, enabling them to comprehend and take actionable steps based on this knowledge. As a result, he is highly sought-after as a presenter within various media outlets, solidifying his status as a leading authority in the field.