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.

01/30/2026

Why is being healthy so hard, even when you know exactly what you “should” be doing? In this episode of What If It’s Not Depression?, I dive into one of the most common struggles I see in my patients: food cravings and the complicated relationship we have with food. This conversation goes far beyond diets, willpower, and discipline, and looks at what’s really happening in the body and brain when change feels overwhelming.

I’m joined by Gina Worful, founder of the Mastering Mindfulness Institute. Gina is a former registered dietitian who, despite having advanced training in nutrition, struggled herself with cycles of motivation, restriction, and self-sabotage. Through her own journey and years of working with clients, she realized that traditional diet approaches often miss the root cause. Her work now focuses on mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and rebuilding trust with the body.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why being healthy feels like such a struggle for so many people
✅ Gina’s personal story and how it shaped her approach to healing
✅ What’s actually happening in the body during low energy, emotional numbness, or overeating
✅ How to uncover the deeper root causes behind food cravings
✅ How your relationship with food can lead to deeper self-discovery and healing

🎧 Here's the link to this episode: https://fxnmind.com/wiind-podcast-episode-109-how-depression-shapes-our-relationship-with-food-with-gina-worful-ms-rd

Connect with Gina Worful:
Website & Free Training: masteringmindfulness.institute
Instagram: .worful
Facebook: Gina Worful

If you’ve ever felt stuck with your health, know this: it’s not about willpower or failure. Your body is trying to help you. By paying attention and being curious, real change can happen. I hope this episode helps you see food and yourself with more kindness and understanding.

To your health and happiness

01/09/2026

Many chronic health conditions, including those affecting mood, energy, and cognition, are connected to what is happening at the cellular level. When our cells lose their ability to repair and communicate properly, symptoms can begin to appear throughout the body and brain.

In this episode of What If It’s Not Depression?, I spoke with Dr. Edward Park about an emerging area of regenerative medicine that is gaining a lot of attention: stem cells, exosomes, and cellular healing.

Dr. Edward Park is a Harvard-trained physician and a leader in the clinical use of stem cell exosomes. His work began with a personal desire to understand aging and illness at a deeper level. Over time, this led him to focus on telomeres, stem cells, and exosomes, and how they may support healing, recovery, and longevity. He now teaches other medical professionals how to use this science thoughtfully and responsibly.

We discussed:
✅ Dr. Park’s personal and professional journey
✅ What telomeres are and why they matter
✅ What stem cells and exosomes are, in clear and simple terms
✅ How exosomes are produced
✅ Health conditions where exosomes are being explored
✅ When exosomes may not be appropriate, and important safety considerations

Link to this episode: https://youtu.be/CTpfZLGuWOI

Learn more about Dr. Edward Park:
✅ Website: https://www.rechargebiomedical.com
✅ Facebook: Recharge Biomedical
✅ YouTube:

Books by Dr. Edward Park:
✅ EXOSOMES: Songs of Healing
✅ The Telomere Miracle: Scientific Secrets to Fight Disease, Feel Great, and Turn Back the Clock on Aging
✅ Telomere Timebombs: Defusing the Terror of Aging: Discover the true cause of aging

I hope this episode helps you better understand the science behind healing and why looking deeper than symptoms truly matters.

01/01/2026

✨ Happy New Year ✨

As we step into this new chapter, I want to pause and offer heartfelt gratitude. This past year was a beautiful reminder that true healing begins with intention, when we choose to honor our minds, nurture our bodies, and listen to the wisdom within.

Thank you for walking this path of growth and self-care. Every mindful choice, every moment of awareness, and every act of compassion you showed toward yourself mattered.

As the New Year unfolds, my wish for you is a year:
🌿 Rooted in good health - mental, physical, and emotional
💛 Filled with love - for yourself, your community, and the life you’re creating
✨ Guided by success - the kind that aligns with purpose, peace, and fulfillment

May this year bring clarity, balance, and renewed hope. May you continue to heal, grow, and thrive, one intentional step at a time.

With gratitude and blessings,
Dr. Achina 🌿

12/25/2025

Holidays are a beautiful reminder that healing was never meant to be rushed.

As a Functional Mind practitioner, I see how often the holidays can overwhelm the nervous system, with more events, more expectations, more stimulation, and very little rest. While the season is meant to bring joy, it can quietly increase stress, inflammation, fatigue, and emotional overload.

If you’re feeling this, please know there’s nothing wrong with you.

This time of year is not about doing more; it’s about listening more. Listening to your body’s cues, honoring your energy, and allowing yourself to step away from pressure when you need to.

Enjoy your favorite holiday foods without guilt. Let rest be productive. Choose connection over perfection. These small, intentional choices help regulate your nervous system and support both mental and physical health.

My hope for you this season is peace that feels safe in your body, clarity in your mind, and the gentle reminder that healing can coexist with celebration.

Wishing you calm, nourishment, and joy—Happy Holidays.

— Dr. Achina Stein 🎄🤍

12/16/2025

The holidays are a time for joy, love, and yes, treats! But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your health or feel guilty after indulging. 🍫🍎

I’ve put together 4 easy, brain- and body-friendly holiday dessert recipes that are:
✅ Delicious & festive
✅ Naturally sweetened to support stable energy
✅ Packed with nutrients that boost your brain, gut, and overall wellness

From Avocado Chocolate Mousse to Turmeric & Coconut Bliss Balls, these desserts let you enjoy the season without the sugar crash.

✨ Remember: You can celebrate, indulge, and stay healthy all at once. There are always ways to enjoy the holidays while taking care of your body and mind!

💌 Try these recipes, share your favorites, and let’s make this holiday season joyful and stress-free.

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.

Address

Providence, RI

Website

http://www.achinasteindo.com/

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