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Kelsey S.

Posted:

03/2025

Managing

Depression, OCD, Trichotillomania, & PTSD

Started Journey

11/2022

"Life’s challenges have made it difficult at times to maintain a strict keto diet and wellness routine, leading to flare-ups in symptoms. But I’ve seen firsthand how much my metabolic health affects my mental health, and I’m on a journey to reprioritize it as a foundational part of my well-being."

My THINK + SMART Profile

Key Symptoms Addressed

Depression, specifically the suicidal ideation.

My Top Three Strategies

Intermittent fasting (16:8), Daily sunshine, Low-carb diet.

T H

Therapeutic

I work with a psychotherapist, physical therapist, general practitioner, and endocrinologist.

I

Integration

My endocrinologist orders quarterly or bi-yearly blood tests (my thyroid was removed). Supplement with NAC (600-1200mg/day), L-Theanine (200-400mg/day), and a multivitamin.

N

Nutritional

I am still experimenting with diet and macros, but my default is a low-carb animal based diet. I also do intermittent fasting (16:8) and only track macros at this point if I feel symptoms return. I try to stay under 40-50g carbs/day.

K

Ketosis

I have a Keto Mojo meter and use a Stelo CGM on occasion to see how I am doing with my glucose levels. I am still experimenting with specific ketone levels and my symptoms.

S

Sleep

I am a creature of habit so I have very strict bedtime and wake up routines. I eat an early dinner, have earlier dinner and bed times in winter, and get as much sunlight as possible during the day (while having an office job) to help with sleep at night.

M

Move

I am currently injured and in physical therapy (PT), but when I'm not injured: daily walks around work, Zone 2 training 1x/week, strength training 1-2x/week, HIIT 1-2x week, and I try for one day in nature or a hike on the weekends if the weather is decent.

A

Avoid

I do not smoke or drink. I limit caffeine intake to before 1pm. No social media at all.

R

Rebuild

I am currently tapering off an SSRI. I volunteer monthly to give back to the community and try to spend time with friends and family to maintain a sense of purpose and belonging. I keep a very routined life, which I find helpful for my stability. Psychotherapy is very important here -- I have a lot of rewiring to do. Also, spending as much time as I can in nature is very helpful and calming to my brain.

T

Track

I use an Apple Watch to track body metrics and occasionally a Stelo CGM for blood glucose data. My therapist uses a PCL-5 and Y-BOCS to track PTSD and OCD symptoms.