What If It's NOT Depression? with Dr. Achina Stein

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What If It's NOT Depression? with Dr. Achina Stein

Discover all the root causes of your depression-like symptoms and address them with dietary and lifestyle changes without unnecessary medications.

DISCLAIMER: THIS PAGE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. ACHINA STEIN DO makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained on or available through this web site, and such information is subject to change without notice. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS PAGE. Achina Stein DO does not recommend, endorse or make any representation about the efficacy, appropriateness or suitability of any specific tests, products, procedures, treatments, services, opinions, health care providers or other information that may be contained on or available through this web page. ACHINA STEIN DO IS NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PAGE.

12/13/2025

Taking Applications Now!

Many people live with depression for years despite trying medications, therapy, supplements, or lifestyle changes. Symptoms may improve temporarily, only to return, leaving people wondering why nothing seems to last.

The Healing Depression Project offers an immersive 30-day program that integrates metabolic psychiatry, therapeutic ketogenic nutrition, functional medicine, and trauma-focused therapy within a structured retreat-style setting.

In our most recent program, all participants showed measurable improvement by Day 30, and 80% reached remission or mild symptom levels on validated clinical scales (PHQ-9, GAD-7, HAM-D17, BDI-II).

The next program begins March 1, 2026, and scholarships covering up to 70% of the cost are available. Limited to 10 participants. Applications close in December.

If you or someone you care about has been struggling for a long time, this program may offer a path toward meaningful improvement.

Learn more about the program and refer patients who may be a good fit at www.HealingDepressionProject.com

12/12/2025

During the holidays, I see so many people struggle with fatigue, low mood, and disrupted sleep — and often, alcohol and sugary drinks are a big part of the problem.

That’s why I created a lineup of delicious, brain-friendly mocktails to help you celebrate without sacrificing your health.
Each recipe is intentionally crafted with:
🌿 Anti-inflammatory herbs
🧠 Brain-supportive nutrients
💧 Hydration that keeps you energized
🍋 Natural flavors (no added sugar!)

There are always ways to enjoy the season and stay healthy — you don’t have to choose one over the other.

These simple swaps can make a dramatic difference in how you feel throughout the holidays.

12/11/2025

I recently joined Margie Bissinger on her podcast, alongside my colleague Silvia Covelli, to share a conversation that could change the way you think about depression.

Inside the Healing Depression Project, Silvia and I help people break free from the root causes of depression using a groundbreaking approach that blends:
💡 Functional medicine
🥑 The ketogenic diet
🎭 Psychodrama
🧘‍♀️ Mindfulness

If traditional methods haven’t worked for you, this episode is a must-watch. We discuss our 30-day program, metabolic psychiatry, and practical lifestyle shifts that empower lasting mental health.

💥 What you’ll learn:
- Why conventional depression treatments often fall short
- How a holistic, multi-faceted approach can restore mental well-being
- The role of metabolic psychiatry and the ketogenic diet in mental and physical health
- How our 30-day Healing Depression Project program works and how to apply

I hope this episode brings new insight and hope to anyone navigating depression. 💛

🎧 Watch the full episode now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvhAmxf72MI

12/02/2025

Some people don’t realize that this fun activity, sometimes seen as childish, actually has amazing, often overlooked benefits for both physical and mental health.

Often Overlooked Benefits of Rebounding:
✅ Clears toxins & reduces inflammation
✅ Boosts mood naturally
✅ Enhances focus & mental clarity
✅ Calms stress & anxiety
✅ Supports better sleep
✅ Increases energy & motivation
✅ Improves balance & coordination

Even 5-10 minutes a day can make a real difference. Rebounding is fun, gentle on joints, and a simple way to support your brain, body, and overall wellness.

Don’t underestimate the power of bouncing, your mind and body will thank you!

11/28/2025

I’m honored to join Dr. Jessica Drummond on the Integrative Women’s Health Institute Podcast, alongside Silvia Covelli, founder of the Healing Depression Project, for a powerful conversation that is so close to my heart. 💛

A huge thank you to Dr. Drummond for the opportunity to share this message, and to Silvia for her visionary work and partnership. 🙏

🎧 Episode Title:
“When Nothing Works for Depression: How the Healing Depression Project Is Creating a New Path Forward with Silvia Covelli and Dr. Achina Stein”

In this episode, we explore what happens when women step away from daily demands and finally receive the immersive, structured, multidisciplinary care that chronic and treatment-resistant depression truly requires.

We dive into:
✅ Why depression isn’t just a brain issue
✅ The role of metabolic health, inflammation, trauma & nutrient status
✅ Our groundbreaking 30-day residential program and its unprecedented remission outcomes
✅ Therapeutic ketogenic nutrition, psychodrama, nature-based recovery & more
✅ What’s possible when “nothing else has worked”

If you’ve been searching for new answers—or support for someone who has—this conversation offers real hope and a new path forward. 🌿

🔗 Listen here:
https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/a-new-model-for-healing-depression-what-womens-health-clinicians-can-learn-with-silvia-covelli-and-dr-achina-stein-from-the-healing-depression-project/

Let’s continue to innovate, integrate, and redefine what healing can look like together.

11/27/2025

🦃 Wishing You a Blessed Thanksgiving! 🍁

Thanksgiving is a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the many blessings in our lives. It’s a reminder to be grateful not just for the big moments, but also for the simple, everyday gifts: the people who support us, the experiences that shape us, and the breath we take each morning. Every day we wake up and take a breath, we are winning. 🌟

Gratitude is more than a feeling; it’s a practice. By cultivating thankfulness daily, we nurture our mental and emotional health, strengthen our resilience, and bring more peace and joy into our lives. True wellness comes from honoring ourselves, embracing our journey, and addressing the root causes that help us thrive, not just survive.

This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate our blessings, our growth, and the beauty of simply being alive. May your heart be full, your mind be at ease, and your soul be nourished. 💛

11/21/2025

What if your depression isn’t actually depression… at least not in the way you’ve been taught to think about it? 🤔

I recently sat down for a powerful podcast conversation where I unpack the real, often overlooked physical causes of chronic mental distress, and why so many people stay stuck for years despite therapy, medications, or doing “all the right things.”

In this episode, I share my SHIFT approach, the framework I use with patients to uncover the biological imbalances that silently shape your mood, energy, and emotional patterns.

🧠 Here’s what I dive into:
✅ How gut health and inflammation can silently fuel mood swings.
✅The surprising ways certain foods trigger anxiety, burnout, and emotional instability.
✅ Simple, effective practices to process emotions and break out of traumatic loops.

I truly believe that addressing the “hardware” of the brain, the biology beneath your emotions, is the key to unlocking emotional freedom, improving resilience, and rediscovering genuine happiness. When we heal the body, the mind finally has room to heal as well.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/38ogZsjAWSnrvUQTFg8cTi?si=9Zsx59CoTe6lTOVmdxyzvw

If you’ve ever wondered, “What if it’s not depression?” … this episode is for you.

11/13/2025

You probably think of brushing your teeth as just a way to keep your smile bright. However, science is showing that oral health extends far beyond your mouth; it also affects your brain.

Recent research from Yale found that people with poor oral health or a genetic predisposition to it experienced more damage to their brain’s white matter after a stroke. White matter is the network of nerve fibers that allows different parts of your brain to communicate. It’s essential for thinking, memory, focus, and even regulating your mood.

So how does poor oral health impact the brain? Harmful bacteria in the mouth can overgrow when we skip good oral care. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream, travel to the brain, and trigger inflammation, which may damage brain cells, disrupt communication in white matter, and increase the risk of cognitive decline or stroke.

Hidden oral infections can also play a role. The best way to look for hidden infections in cavitations, abscesses, or root canals is by completing a CBCT scan of the mouth. This imaging is different from typical dental X-rays and can reveal infections that might otherwise go unnoticed. Additionally, having two types of metals in the mouth or multiple silver amalgams can increase the risk of chronic infections and inflammation, both of which may affect brain health.

You can take action to protect both your mouth and mind:
✅ Brush & floss daily- a small habit with big impact
✅ Limit sugar & processed foods - sugar fuels harmful bacteria
✅ Stay hydrated - saliva protects your teeth and gums
✅ Eat nutrient-rich foods - support both oral and brain health

A healthy mouth isn’t just about preventing cavities — it’s a key part of maintaining memory, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.

Your daily oral care routine is one of the simplest ways to support your brain for years to come.

11/07/2025

Dr. Trupti Gokani is an award-winning, board-certified neurologist, Ayurvedic expert, and mindset coach who blends ancient wisdom with modern science to help people transform stress and live in alignment. She’s best known for her integrative approach to migraine and for creating the Three Brain Optimization Program™, which helps high performers shift from survival mode to thriving.

Her new book, The StressRx, draws on both neuroscience and Ayurveda to guide readers toward authentic health and purpose. Dr. Gokani has been featured on The Dr. Oz Show, Huffington Post, and has served as faculty for The Shift Network and Metagenics.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/sqSJFkR7i48

We discussed:
✅ Why she turned to Ayurveda after a successful career in neurology
✅ What stress really is—from an Ayurvedic and neuroscience perspective
✅ How the Three Brain Model helps people break unconscious patterns
✅ The core message behind The StressRx
✅ Practical ways to move from survival to thriving

Dr. Trupti also shared her free cookbook: https://tinyurl.com/4n5nyvy4

You can find her at
✅ Website: www.truptigokanimd.com;
✅ Instagram: ;
✅ Facebook: Trupti Gokani MD

10/30/2025

Did you know your heart doesn’t beat perfectly evenly? 💫
That little variation between heartbeats — called Heart Rate Variability (HRV) — is one of the best clues about how your body is really handling stress.

👉 When your HRV is high, it means your body can relax and recover easily — you’re flexible and resilient.
😟 When it’s low, it means your body might be stuck in “stress mode,” making it harder to rest, focus, and feel calm.

Your HRV is connected to your nervous system, your vagus nerve, and even your mental health. Low HRV has been linked to anxiety, fatigue, and depression — all signs your body is asking for balance.

The good news? You can improve your HRV naturally:
🧘‍♀️ Deep breathing & mindfulness
😴 Better sleep
🥗 Eating nourishing foods
🚶‍♀️ Gentle movement
🌞 Time in nature & sunshine
💬 Meaningful connection

HRV naturally varies with age; younger adults typically have higher HRV (~60–90 ms in their 20s), while older adults often show lower values (~30–45 ms in their 60s). These ranges are approximate and depend on factors like device, posture, fitness, stress, and overall health. There’s no single “correct” HRV — what matters most is your personal baseline and trends over time.

💖 Remember: your heart isn’t just pumping blood — it’s reflecting how you live, breathe, and feel. When you care for your body, calm your mind, and nurture your nervous system, your heart rhythm will thank you.
Take a deep breath, slow down, and listen — your body already knows the way to balance. 🌿

10/24/2025

Are you stuck in modern fight/flight? If so, did you know you could make small changes in habits that can make big shifts in how you feel. It can literally take only minutes to do.

Dr. Husmillo discusses the importance of improving poor vagal tone to address a variety of symptoms in this episode.

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/EvMDiRbHfkE

We focused on:
✅ The differences between conventional neurology, functional (chiropractic) neurology, and functional medicine neurology
✅ How poor vagal tone can show up in your life
✅ Understanding the Vagus Nerve and its role in overall health
✅ The little things you can do to shift your nervous system

Dr. Michael Husmillo earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life Chiropractic College West, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and holds board certification as a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. A graduate of UC Berkeley in Integrative Biology with a focus on neuroanatomy, his early research explored the link between the immune system and the brain. He has advanced training in functional neurology, neurochemistry, and functional medicine, blending these disciplines to offer a comprehensive, brain-based approach to patient care.

You can find him:
✅ Website: www.drmichaelhusmillo.com
✅ IG:

Located in Troy, Michigan, he is happy to offer a free 15-minute consultation and does see patients virtually.

As he said, "Happy Vagus, Happy Life!"

10/17/2025

When we feel tired, anxious, or foggy — it’s easy to focus only on the obvious: the symptom we can see or feel.
But in truth, these symptoms are just the body’s way of communicating that something deeper needs attention.

In Functional Medicine, we see symptoms as messages, not malfunctions.
They’re the tip of the iceberg — visible signs of hidden imbalances that lie beneath the surface.

🌿 For example:
▶️Fatigue might stem from mitochondrial dysfunction or thyroid imbalance, not just “getting older.”
▶️Brain fog could be caused by gut inflammation, food sensitivities, or toxin buildup.
▶️Anxiety or depression often have roots in nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or chronic inflammation.

When we only address the surface — through medications or quick fixes — we may temporarily quiet the symptoms, but we don’t resolve why they began in the first place.

The real transformation happens when we look beneath the surface — identifying the root cause and restoring the body’s natural balance.
That’s how true healing begins — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

✨ Don’t settle for covering up symptoms.
Dive deeper. Understand your body’s story. Heal from within.

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Providence, RI

Website

http://www.achinasteindo.com/

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