Dr. Holly’s Dara Wellness

11/12/2025

Tomorrow morning I’ll be on talking about Movember — and how it’s about more than mustaches.

This movement started as a way to raise awareness for men’s physical health, but it’s also a powerful reminder to check in on mental health — for men and for boys.

We’ll talk about:
💬 Why men and boys often struggle to open up
⚡️The signs that stress or depression might be hiding behind irritability or overworking
🌱 How families can help build emotional fitness together
💚 And what to do if someone needs more support

Let’s redefine strength — not as silence, but as honesty and connection.

Tune in tomorrow on Morning Edition at 10:30 AM 🩶

10/18/2025

10/10/2025

This World Mental Health Day, the focus is on Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.

As a psychiatrist — and as a mom — I’ve seen how deeply children are affected by stress, especially when normal supports aren’t available. The good news? Even small tools can make a big difference: deep breathing, naming feelings, and staying connected.

In my recent TV interview, I shared practical ways families can prepare for emotional challenges before they arise — because mental health should always be part of our emergency plans.

💚 Let’s keep building a world where care is accessible, connection is prioritized, and every child feels safe and supported.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

10/07/2025

Let’s talk about mental health.

Friday is World Mental Health Day & the focus is mental wellbeing during emergencies.

Join me on Mornings Edition as we discuss how to manage mental health needs during times of crisis.

09/11/2025

💙🏀💙🏀💙🏀

08/16/2025

As always, thanks to Meteorologist Shelby Latino & WVUE FOX 8 💚

Holly MacKenna

08/02/2025

Thanks to Castle Connolly Top Doctors & New Orleans Magazine for this recognition.

07/21/2025

🧠 Burnout doesn’t take a vacation—especially in the New Orleans heat. ☀️🔥

Even when we try to rest, we’re often still in go-mode: planning, scrolling, managing everyone else’s needs. True rest means slowing down—for real.

If you’re feeling depleted this summer, here are 3 ways to reset (no plane ticket required):

🌿 Take 5-minute “micro-rests” throughout your day.
🌀 Try a cooling breath: inhale through your nose, exhale like you’re blowing out a straw.
🌳 Imagine sitting in the shade of an old oak tree—cool, still, grounded.

Your nervous system needs shade too. 🌬️💛



Check out our segment on WVUE FOX 8 for more ideas for Rest & Recovery this Summer. ☀️

Olivia Vidal WVUE FOX8

06/07/2025

Now that school is out, kids need support and structure to maintain a healthy balance and mental well-being.

I love utilizing tools like Insight Timer, Sesame Street's Breathe app, and books like Inhale, Exhale...Shoot! to help children incorporate mindfulness and breathing practices into their daily summer activities. ☀️💚🧘‍♀

Doc & Daughter Writers 📚📖🌳

06/03/2025

Summer should be a time for fun and rest, but without the structure of school, many kids (and parents) struggle emotionally and behaviorally.

Join us Wednesday 6/4 10:30 AM on WVUE FOX 8 as we discuss:

☀ Supporting Kids' Mental Health during Summer Months ☀

05/22/2025

Thanks to Meteorologist Shelby Latino and the folks at WVUE FOX 8 for letting me come explore their beautiful new studio before my segment this morning.

05/19/2025

One of my favorite things about being an integrative psychiatrist is partnering with communities to educate and empower their members to embrace self-care in meaningful and life-changing ways.

Thanks for this kind and thoughtful review. 💚💚💚