The Mental Health Toll of Carbon Monoxide Injury

THE MENTAL HEALTH TOLLS WHEN THE MIND FALTERS

By Dr. Barbara Bartlik

Photo courtesy: FF Marissa Halbeisen

Before her injury, firefighter Marissa Halbeisen was defined by competence, confidence, and command. A veteran California firefighter, she thrived in high-stakes environments that demanded clarity, decisiveness, and physical endurance. Carbon monoxide poisoning changed that trajectory—not through visible trauma, but through a quiet neurological disruption that slowly altered how she thought, felt, and related to herself.

From a mental health perspective, Marissa’s experience reflects one of the most under-recognized consequences of toxic exposure: the psychological fallout that occurs when the brain no longer functions as it once did. After her wildfire exposure, she developed persistent cognitive symptoms—brain fog, slowed processing, memory lapses, and sensory overwhelm. These were not merely inconveniences; they struck at the core of her identity. When a person whose life depends on mental sharpness suddenly cannot trust their own cognition, the emotional consequences can be profound.

Patients with carbon monoxide–related brain injury often describe a painful disconnect between intention and ability. Marissa knew what she wanted to do, how she wanted to show up, and who she had always been—but her brain could not reliably execute those intentions. This gap frequently produces anxiety, frustration, grief, and a corrosive loss of confidence. Individuals begin to withdraw, not because they lack motivation, but because repeated cognitive failure erodes the sense of safety in participation. When thinking itself becomes effortful, engagement feels risky.

There is also a unique emotional burden in being told—explicitly or implicitly—that nothing is wrong. Normal lab results and unremarkable scans can leave patients questioning their own reality. For Marissa, this medical invalidation compounded her distress. She was not depressed in the traditional sense, but she experienced what many neurotoxic injury patients report: a loss of agency. The will to perform, to teach, to lead—once effortless—became fragile. This is not a character flaw; it is a neuropsychiatric consequence of injury.

Carbon monoxide poisoning affects brain regions responsible for executive function, emotional regulation, and stress tolerance. As a result, individuals may experience irritability, emotional lability, diminished resilience, and heightened sensitivity to stimulation. These changes often masquerade as mood disorders, yet treating them as purely psychological misses the underlying biological insult.

Marissa’s story is emblematic of a larger population suffering in silence—first responders, industrial workers, and civilians whose mental health struggles originate in toxic brain injury. Her willingness to speak openly reframes advocacy in its truest form: awareness born of experience, coupled with prevention and early detection.

Mental health care for neurotoxic injury must begin with validation—recognizing that when the brain is injured, emotional suffering follows. Healing requires integrated attention to both brain biology and psychological resilience. Marissa’s journey reminds us that restoring confidence and will is not about pushing harder, but about helping the brain recover its capacity to support the self it once carried so reliably.

 

The Descent Into the Invisible Injury

In the weeks that followed, Marissa began experiencing symptoms that alarmed her: mental fog, slowed processing, and memory problems. Tasks she once performed effortlessly suddenly felt foreign. Teaching at the fire academy became difficult. Studying for her captain’s exam—material she knew cold—was impossibly hard. “I looked fine on the outside. Inside, it felt like someone unplugged my brain.”

By April, her once-rigorous workouts stopped. By May, she pulled herself off duty—a decision firefighters rarely make without extreme cause. She underwent blood tests, autoimmune panels, imaging, and routine assessments. Everything came back “normal.”

But nothing was normal.  She developed overwhelming fatigue, full-body aches, slurred speech, and balance problems. At her worst, she could not drive. “It felt like being intoxicated all the time without having touched a drink,” she said.

An ER visit revealed nothing on standard tests. Yet deeper investigation finally uncovered the truth: hypoxic brain injury linked to CO exposure. MRI imaging, a toxicology assessment, and evaluations by occupational medicine specialists revealed she had experienced significant carbon monoxide poisoning—followed by delayed neurological decline.

She was left with the classic signs of DNS: cognitive impairment, motor coordination issues, hormonal disruption, and chronic neuroinflammation.

The System Misses What It Cannot See

Marissa’s ordeal highlights a troubling reality: CO injuries are wildly underdiagnosed, especially among firefighters. Wildland operations, unlike structure fires, often lack formal rehab protocols or CO monitoring. Firefighters frequently operate in heavy smoke without SCBA, believing the risk is acceptable or temporary. The consequences can be catastrophic. Research shows that mild to moderate CO exposure can trigger:

• Memory loss and slowed processing

• Personality changes and irritability

• Balance and gait disturbances

• Hormonal dysregulation

• Autonomic nervous system impairment

• Increased risk for long-term neurodegenerative disease

Yet because CO clears from the blood within hours, by the time a firefighter seeks help, measurable evidence has vanished. Only MRI, neurocognitive testing, and clinical experience reveal what the bloodstream no longer does. “They told me my tests were normal. My body was telling me I was drowning.”

Marissa’s experience reflects the silent epidemic affecting many firefighters, veterans, athletes, and civilians exposed to toxic air.

 

Finding a New Model of Care

When traditional medicine failed to explain her symptoms, Marissa found a different path through Dr. Leslie Valle-Montoya and the Brainwave Wellness Institute—an organization dedicated to non-invasive brain performance therapies and recovery from toxic exposures.

Dr. Valle-Montoya conducted deeper diagnostic testing, including mineral and heavy metal screening, autonomic assessments, and inflammatory mapping. The results confirmed what Marissa felt: her body was carrying a toxic burden, and her nervous system was in distress.

Treatment included:

• Mild hyperbaric therapy to improve oxygenation

• Ozone nebulization to clear the mucus membranes damaged by smoke

• Bioenergetic frequency therapy to support detox and brain recovery

• Niacin-assisted sauna detoxification

• Nutrition protocols and hormone-balancing strategies

Within weeks, Marissa noticed sparks of improvement. Her clarity brightened. Her energy rose. She still faced challenges—but now she finally had a plan.

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A Broader Crisis: Many Suffer in Silence

Marissa’s story echoes across the fire service. For every firefighter diagnosed, many more quietly struggle. Symptoms like irritability, “forgetfulness,” trouble concentrating, unexplained fatigue, or emotional volatility are often written off as stress. Departments lack consistent monitoring, education, or long-term tracking of neurological symptoms.

The truth is stark: CO poisoning and neurotoxic smoke exposure may be one of the most overlooked occupational diseases of modern firefighting. Organizations such as the Brain Injury Alliance, Carbon Monoxide Safety groups, IAFF wellness programs, and emerging CO survivor networks are beginning to push awareness forward. But most sufferers still remain undiagnosed—soldiers in a silent war against toxins that do not show up on standard lab panels.

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Marissa’s Mission: Turning Injury Into Advocacy

Despite ongoing recovery, Marissa’s spirit remains anchored in service. She refuses to let this invisible injury silence her. Instead, it has sharpened her purpose. “If I make it back, I’m coming back better than before—and I’m taking others with me.”

She now hopes to educate firefighters on early detection, advocate for CO monitoring protocols, and support national organizations fighting for recognition of toxic exposure injuries. Her story represents both a warning and a roadmap—proof that invisible injuries are no less devastating, and no less deserving of care.

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A Call to Action

Marissa’s experience makes one thing clear: the fire service must evolve.

• CO monitoring must become standard.

• Rehab must be mandatory on wildland incidents.

• Neurological screening must be built into occupational health.

• Firefighters must be taught to recognize—not hide—signs of cognitive decline.

For every Marissa who speaks out, dozens remain unheard. This newsletter—and this story—is for them.

Because the smoke may clear from the hillside, but for many, it lingers in the brain long after the fire is gone.

Male Breast Cancer’s Hidden Mental Health Crisis

By: Dr. Barbara Bartlik

Male breast cancer remains one of the most misunderstood and underdiscussed diagnoses in oncology. For integrative psychiatrist Dr. Barbara Bartlik, the silence surrounding men’s emotional and sexual health in the wake of cancer is a gap that demands urgent attention. Her holistic perspective challenges the status quo and offers hope for survivors navigating the complex terrain of healing.

 

When most people think of breast cancer, they imagine women fighting a disease that has become a rallying cry for global awareness. But for men, who make up a small yet significant percentage of breast cancer diagnoses, the reality is different—quieter, lonelier, and often laden with stigma.

“Most men keep it very quiet. They don’t share it. They’re embarrassed about it because it seems to be a woman’s problem,” says Dr. Bartlik. This isolation leaves male survivors adrift in a healthcare system that is rarely designed with their unique needs in mind.

As an integrative psychiatrist, Bartlik occupies a rare position at the intersection of physical and mental health. Her work goes beyond traditional talk therapy, encompassing clinical insight into how cancer treatments affect the body, mind, and relationships. “You’re not just therapists at that level,” she explains. “You’re also clinical. That means understanding the real effects of treatments like Tamoxifen, which are killing the sex drive, damaging the immune system, and leaving patients depressed—even suicidal.”

 

The Andropause of Cancer Treatment

Andropause, often referred to as ‘male menopause’, is a condition that is associated with a decrease in testosterone levels in men as they age. Tamoxifen, a mainstay in breast cancer care, is central to Bartlik’s concerns. Commonly prescribed to male survivors post-surgery, it effectively induces a chemical andropause, akin to menopause in women. “They may experience hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, depression, and a loss of libido,” she says. “It’s a long haul because they often have to be on it for five years, sometimes more. Most people do not like Tamoxifen. They’ve lost their energy, and it’s a very unpleasant feeling.”

For many men, these side effects strike at the core of their identity, compounding feelings of shame and alienation. Unlike women, who have networks of support groups and survivor organizations, men with breast cancer often navigate their journey in solitude. “Women have organizations where they can meet with other survivors. But for men, there’s very little support out there. They may never meet another man who has breast cancer,” Bartlik explains.

This profound sense of isolation is not just an emotional issue—it’s a public health concern. Without adequate mental health support, survivors may spiral into depression, anxiety, or worse. “Cancer in itself is a downturn for a person. It makes everything so bleak. Even just trying to survive it—the depression, the PTSD—it’s massive,” she adds.

 

 

A Call for Holistic Intervention

Dr. Bartlik believes the traditional oncology model, which focuses on eradicating tumors, often overlooks these critical aspects of healing. “Surgeons and oncologists are focused on killing the cancer. They may not think about bringing in a psychiatrist or helping support the man in adjusting to this new way of life—living with low testosterone, for instance.”

Her approach involves more than just medication. Bartlik incorporates nutritional strategies and natural supplements designed to mitigate some of the sexual and mood-related side effects of cancer treatment. “There are supplements like ginkgo biloba and tribulus to boost sex drive, long jack for erectile function, and amino acids like L-arginine and citrulline that open blood vessels. Magnesium helps too, because it relaxes and opens blood vessels.”

However, she underscores the importance of collaboration. “We have to work with the oncologist because some of these supplements can increase testosterone, and that’s not desirable in certain cases.” This careful balance reflects her integrative philosophy: which treats the whole person, not just the disease.

 

Sexual Health as Mental Health

Beyond Tamoxifen, Bartlik highlights how other cancer treatments further complicate male sexual health. “We’re talking about testosterone blockers in men with prostate cancer and surgeries that inevitably affect sexual functioning,” she explains. “Some men are lucky and can retain some of it, but for others, the changes are devastating.”

She notes that early post-surgical interventions can make a difference. “If you take Cialis a month after surgery and continue daily, it can help blood flow and possibly restore some function.” For men struggling with lingering dysfunction, Bartlik’s protocols include pharmacological and technological aids, as well as natural remedies.

“Sexual health is mental health,” she emphasizes. “When these men lose their sexual identity, it impacts their relationships, their mood, and their overall quality of life. Addressing this is not optional—it’s essential.”

 

Breaking the Stigma

For Bartlik, male breast cancer advocacy is more than a professional interest—it’s a mission. She sees an urgent need to break through stigma and silence, empowering men to seek help without shame. “Pursuing clinical care for men with breast cancer is a huge platform I didn’t even think about until I started realizing how sexual health and depression are all over cancer care—and specifically men’s cancer.”

Collaborations with advocacy groups and publishing her insights could amplify this message. “This is an area where we can make a huge difference in men’s health. It’s lifesaving work—because killing the stigma is just as important as killing the cancer.”

 

 

Toward a New Standard of Care

As she reflects on her role, Dr. Bartlik envisions a future where psychiatry is woven seamlessly into oncology care for men. “These patients are dealing with far more than just physical illness. They’re coping with loss of health, of identity, of intimacy. Our job is to help them heal in every sense of the word.”

For the men still suffering in silence, her message is clear: help exists, and they are not alone. With the right support, recovery can be about more than survival—it can mean reclaiming a full, vibrant life.

(7, 5) Beyond Size: The Power of Love and Self-Acceptance

 By: Dr. Barbara Bartlik on why true intimacy starts within

When Dr. Ruth Westheimer famously declared, “Size doesn’t matter. What matters is love,” she wasn’t just offering cheeky advice about sexual relationships. According to Dr. Barbara Bartlik, an integrative psychiatrist and advocate for emotional wellness, the quote speaks to a more profound truth about human connection, self-worth, and the power of acceptance.

“Dr. Ruth was reminding people that physical measurements don’t define intimacy. It’s fueled by affection, trust, and emotional closeness,” Bartlik explains. “What makes a sexual relationship fulfilling isn’t size—it’s the love and respect two people share.”

The Trap of Comparison

But Bartlik urges us to look beyond the literal interpretation. In her view, the wisdom behind Dr. Ruth’s words applies to all aspects of life where comparison and insecurity creep in. “Many people fixate on perceived shortcomings—whether it’s their height, weight, facial features, or other physical traits they can’t change,” she says. “This constant self-criticism erodes confidence and can keep individuals from fully engaging in relationships, careers, and life itself.”

The danger lies in comparison. Measuring oneself against others rarely leads to growth; more often, it breeds jealousy, shame and self-doubt. Bartlik emphasizes, “You don’t have to look like someone else or have what they have to be valuable. You’re already enough as you are.”

The Essential Practice of Self-Acceptance

Self-acceptance, she argues, is not passive resignation but an active embrace of one’s authentic self. “It starts by saying: ‘This is me. I may not be perfect, but I am worthy of love and belonging,” Bartlik advises.

This inner work is vital because self-rejection often spills into relationships. “If you’re constantly putting yourself down, it’s hard to receive love fully. You may even sabotage relationships by assuming others see you the way you see yourself.”

By contrast, self-acceptance creates space for healthier connections. When individuals feel whole and at peace with themselves, they are better equipped to give and receive love with greater ease.

Freedom from Judgment

Bartlik also cautions against internalizing negativity from others. “If someone puts you down, remember—it may say more about them than it does about you. Their judgment isn’t necessarily truth,” she says. Instead of letting criticism define you, focus on your own voice.

“Value and vitality don’t depend on external validation,” she adds. “They come from within, from living with integrity and embracing your unique worth.”

A New Kind of Confidence: Living From the Inside Out

Ultimately, Bartlik’s message is about liberation—from comparison, from self-criticism, and from the false belief that external factors determine worth. “Stop chasing ideals that aren’t yours,” she urges. “Your power lies in embracing your authentic self.”

She encourages readers to cultivate habits that foster self-acceptance: practice gratitude for what your body can do, surround yourself with supportive people, and engage in activities that bring you feel alive and joy.

The Final Word: You Are Enough

In the end, love—both self-love and shared love—transcends size, shape, or any other arbitrary standard. “Your value isn’t measured by numbers or others’ opinions,” Bartlik reflects. “It’s measured by the kindness you show yourself, the connections you nurture, and the life you create with what you have.”

Her advice is both simple and transformative: “Accept yourself fully. Celebrate your unique story. And remember—your worth was never up for debate.”

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Barbara Bartlik is a renowned integrative psychiatrist with over three decades of clinical experience, specializing in the intersection of mental health, sexual health, and functional medicine. Board-certified in psychiatry and a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, she is celebrated for her holistic approach to treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction.  As an editor of Integrative Sexual Health (a volume in Dr. Andrew Weil’s Integrative Medicine Library), Dr. Bartlik brings academic rigor to her innovative work. She integrates lifestyle medicine, nutritional strategies, and mind-body therapies into psychiatric care, helping patients achieve transformative healing.

A sought-after speaker and media contributor, she addresses audiences worldwide on topics from PTSD recovery to menopause and andropause support. Based in Manhattan, Dr. Bartlik continues to redefine mental health care for the modern age—bridging science, compassion, and whole-person wellness.

(2) Breaking the Cycle: How to Take Back Control from Addiction

 By: Dr. Barbara Bartlik on recognizing harmful patterns and reclaiming your life

Addiction rarely announces itself with fanfare. It creeps in quietly, disguised as comfort, routine, or even success. For Dr. Barbara Bartlik, a respected integrative psychiatrist, the conversation around addiction must go beyond substances to include behaviors and even food. “People are creatures of habit,” she says. “Those habits can become chains—subtle at first, but over time, they can dismantle health, relationships, and careers.”

From sugar cravings to compulsive gambling, addictions thrive on repetition. Bartlik emphasizes that whether the object of fixation is a drug, a dessert, or the stock market, the underlying mechanism is the same: the brain’s reward system becomes hijacked, demanding more and more until the individual’s life orbits around the addiction.

The Many Faces of Addiction

Substance addictions, such as alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines, are perhaps the most recognized—and the most devastating. “These escalate quickly,” Bartlik warns. “They impair judgment, damage relationships, and often lead to professional collapse. Before you know it, your life unravels.”

But not all addictions fit the stereotypical mold. Food addiction, for example, is one of the most pervasive. High-sugar and processed foods create a feedback loop in the brain, intensifying cravings the more they’re consumed. Bartlik notes that for some individuals—particularly those with autoimmune conditions—certain foods like gluten and dairy can act as addictive substances. “They can literally go through withdrawal, with anxiety and stomachache, when cutting these foods out. I’ve seen it happen in my patients.”

Behavioral addictions can be equally insidious. Gambling is a typical example, but Bartlik also points to less obvious forms, like compulsive trading in the stock market. “When a person spends 10 hours a day obsessing over their portfolio, they start to neglect family, friends, and self-care. The addiction begins running their life”

The Cost of Delay

The consequences of untreated addiction are profound. Physical health declines under the weight of poor food choices. Emotional health suffers as relationships strain and isolation grows. For young people, food addiction can lead to self-esteem issues, making it challenging to form meaningful partnerships or envision a family life. “By the time some realize the impact—often in their forties—they feel it’s too late,” Bartlik says.

This underscores the importance of early intervention. Addressing addictive behaviors when they’re still manageable can prevent years of compounded damage.

 

Reclaiming Your Life: A Path Forward

Bartlik’s approach to overcoming addiction centers on awareness, commitment, and gradual change. She encourages patients to:

● Acknowledge the habit without judgment.

● Eliminate triggers—whether it’s sugary foods, risky environments, or excessive screen time.

● Replace the addiction with healthier routines, such as exercise, hobbies, and social connections.

● Seek professional support when needed, especially for substance dependencies.

 

A New Definition of Freedom

“Addiction is a thief,” Bartlik reflects. “It robs people of their health, their relationships, their joy. But the moment you recognize it for what it is, you begin to take back your power.”

True freedom isn’t just the absence of addiction—it’s the presence of purpose and possibility. Recovery opens doors that once felt closed, allowing you to nurture relationships, pursue passions, and fully inhabit your life without the weight of compulsion. Bartlik emphasizes that it’s never too late to change. “Every step away from addiction is a step toward the life you were meant to live. Freedom isn’t something we’re given—it’s something we create, choice by choice.”

She urges readers to act now, while time and health are still on their side. “When you break free from the cycle, you don’t just get your health back—you reclaim your future and rediscover your capacity for joy, connection, and meaning. That’s the ultimate reward.”

Recovery isn’t about deprivation—it’s about creating space for the life you truly want. Freedom, she explains, comes from making choices aligned with your highest priorities, not being pulled by compulsions. “When you break free from the cycle, you don’t just get your health back—you get your future back.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Barbara Bartlik is a renowned integrative psychiatrist with over three decades of clinical experience, specializing in the intersection of mental health, sexual health, and functional medicine. Board-certified in psychiatry and a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, she is celebrated for her holistic approach to treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction.  As an editor of Integrative Sexual Health (a volume in Dr. Andrew Weil’s Integrative Medicine Library), Dr. Bartlik brings academic rigor to her innovative work. She integrates lifestyle medicine, nutritional strategies, and mind-body therapies into psychiatric care, helping patients achieve transformative healing.

A sought-after speaker and media contributor, she addresses audiences worldwide on topics from PTSD recovery to menopause and andropause support. Based in Manhattan, Dr. Bartlik continues to redefine mental health care for the modern age—bridging science, compassion, and whole-person wellness.

(9, 8) The Courage to Heal: Why Seeking Therapy and Embracing Sexuality Fuels Resilience

By: Dr. Barbara Bartlik on the transformative power of self-work and intimacy across a lifetime

For too long, seeking therapy has carried an undeserved stigma. Many people wrestle silently with personal struggles, convinced that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Dr. Barbara Bartlik, a prominent integrative psychiatrist and sex therapist, is determined to shatter that myth.

“Working on yourself—whether through therapy, self-reflection, or open conversations with loved ones—is not weakness,” Bartlik insists. “It’s an act of profound strength and self-respect. Resilience doesn’t come by accident. It’s built, day by day, choice by choice.”

Breaking the Silence: Therapy as an Act of Strength

Bartlik emphasizes that the journey toward emotional and sexual resilience begins with acknowledging the need for support. “People often feel isolated in their pain. They assume they’re alone in their challenges, but the truth is, help is available—and you are worth it,” she says.

Seeking therapy isn’t merely about solving problems; it’s about equipping oneself with tools for a fuller, more empowered life. “Talking about your needs, fears, and frustrations with a professional or a partner is a powerful act of self-assertion. It’s how you move from surviving to thriving.”

The Role of Sexuality in Lifelong Vitality

Sexual health is often overlooked in conversations about resilience, especially as people age. Yet Bartlik views it as a critical pillar of overall well-being. “People of all ages desire sexual intimacy—even those in their nineties. Sexuality is part of being human until the very end,” she explains.

While aging may bring changes—slower recovery times, need for more direct stimulation—Bartlik urges her patients to stay engaged with their sexual selves. “Disappointments happen, but don’t hang up your sexual identity. Talk to your partner, explore new possibilities, or seek professional guidance. Staying sexually active in your golden years enhances not only physical intimacy but also creativity, energy, and joie de vivre.”

Empowerment Through Intimacy

A fulfilling sex life can ripple into every corner of existence. Bartlik notes that sexually satisfied individuals often feel more empowered, confident, and creative. “When people lose touch with their sexuality, they may start comparing themselves to others, imagining they’re missing out. This comparison breeds feelings of inadequacy,” she says.  Instead, she advocates for open communication. Discussing your desires with your partner is not just about improving sex—it’s about strengthening intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. It’s a practice of self-love that benefits all aspects of your life and fosters a deeper connection.

The Final Word: Resilience Is a Journey You Don’t Walk Alone

Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship; it’s about meeting life’s challenges with courage, adaptability, and a sense of self-worth. Therapy and self-work, Bartlik asserts, are vital components of this process. “Seeking help isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a declaration that you value yourself enough to invest in your growth.” She urges readers to embrace their sexuality as part of this journey, regardless of age or circumstance. “Your sexual self is not something to abandon when things get hard or when you grow older. It’s a source of empowerment, vitality, and connection. Keep it alive, and it will keep you alive in ways far beyond the physical.”

Her parting advice is as simple as it is profound: “You don’t have to do it alone. The effort you make to heal, grow, and embrace intimacy will return to you tenfold—in resilience, in joy, and in the deep satisfaction of knowing you’ve claimed your life fully as your own.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Barbara Bartlik is a renowned integrative psychiatrist with over three decades of clinical experience, specializing in the intersection of mental health, sexual health, and functional medicine. Board-certified in psychiatry and a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, she is celebrated for her holistic approach to treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction.  As an editor of Integrative Sexual Health (a volume in Dr. Andrew Weil’s Integrative Medicine Library), Dr. Bartlik brings academic rigor to her innovative work. She integrates lifestyle medicine, nutritional strategies, and mind-body therapies into psychiatric care, helping patients achieve transformative healing.

A sought-after speaker and media contributor, she addresses audiences worldwide on topics from PTSD recovery to menopause and andropause support. Based in Manhattan, Dr. Bartlik continues to redefine mental health care for the modern age—bridging science, compassion, and whole-person wellness.

(8, 3) The Thousand Wants of Health: Why Prevention Is the Ultimate Wealth

 Dr. Barbara Bartlik on shifting priorities before illness forces the lesson

There’s a saying that strikes at the heart of human nature: “A healthy person wants a thousand things. A sick person wants only one.” For Dr. Barbara Bartlik, a leading integrative psychiatrist and wellness advocate, this isn’t just a clever adage—it’s a truth she encounters every day in her practice.

“When we’re well, we take it for granted. Our minds are busy chasing goals—careers, relationships, material success. Health often isn’t even on the list because we assume it will always be there,” Bartlik explains. But when illness strikes, priorities collapse into a single, desperate focus: getting well again. All those thousand wants—vacations, promotions, dream houses—fade in significance. Suddenly, there is only one wish left: the restoration of health.

This shift in perspective, she argues, is precisely why prevention must be a conscious, lifelong pursuit rather than an afterthought.

 

The Four Pillars of Staying Well

Research has consistently shown that maintaining health is less about drastic measures and more about adopting a consistent, balanced lifestyle. Dr. Bartlik emphasizes four core habits that have been proven to be effective in promoting health and preventing illness:

1. A Nourishing Diet – Prioritize whole foods, rich in nutrients and fiber, that reduce inflammation and strengthen the gut.

2. Regular Movement – Whether it’s traditional workouts or engaging sports like tennis, cycling, or volleyball, the goal is to make activity enjoyable and sustainable.

3. Adequate Sleep – Quality rest—seven to eight hours per night—is non-negotiable for physical recovery and emotional resilience.

4. Joy and Relaxation – Bartlik warns against overwork, noting that constant stress depletes energy and mental health. “You’re allowed to have fun,” she says. “Engage in activities that please you. It’s not indulgence; it’s medicine for the mind.”

She recounts a patient who worked 18-hour days with little time for enjoyment. “Her anxiety and depression skyrocketed. Ironically, her job performance suffered because she was running on empty. We had to rebuild her lifestyle to include downtime and joy—she’s now healthier and more effective professionally,” Bartlik shares.

A Call to Action: Don’t Wait for the Wake-Up Call

Bartlik’s message is clear: don’t wait until illness strips life down to that “one want” to start valuing your health. Prevention isn’t about restriction—it’s about protecting your ability to pursue all those other dreams.

“The greatest wealth is health,” she reminds us. “If you lose it, you would trade everything else to get it back. But why wait for that wake-up call? Invest in your health today, while you still have your thousand wants. That’s the smartest way to keep them all within reach.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Barbara Bartlik is a renowned integrative psychiatrist with over three decades of clinical experience, specializing in the intersection of mental health, sexual health, and functional medicine. Board-certified in psychiatry and a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, she is celebrated for her holistic approach to treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction.  As an editor of Integrative Sexual Health (a volume in Dr. Andrew Weil’s Integrative Medicine Library), Dr. Bartlik brings academic rigor to her innovative work. She integrates lifestyle medicine, nutritional strategies, and mind-body therapies into psychiatric care, helping patients achieve transformative healing.

A sought-after speaker and media contributor, she addresses audiences worldwide on topics from PTSD recovery to menopause and andropause support. Based in Manhattan, Dr. Bartlik continues to redefine mental health care for the modern age—bridging science, compassion, and whole-person wellness.

(9, 3) You Are Not Your Diagnosis: Seeing Beyond Labels to Find Your True Self

By: Dr. Barbara Bartlik on why healing begins with treating the person, not the condition

It’s a phrase Dr. Barbara Bartlik hears often in her practice: “I have bipolar.” Or, “I’m OCD.” For many patients, these diagnoses feel like defining features—labels that reduce their complex humanity to a set of symptoms. But Bartlik, an integrative psychiatrist, challenges this mindset.

“You are not your diagnosis,” she insists. “You are a unique individual with traits, emotions, and experiences that go far beyond any label.”

The Limits of Labels

In modern psychiatry, diagnosis often serves as a shortcut to treatment. But Bartlik warns that it can also create a harmful sense of identity. “People internalize these labels, believing they are fundamentally broken or limited because of them,” she explains. “This can lead to hopelessness, self-stigmatization, and a distorted sense of self.”

She also highlights the clinical reality: psychiatric medications are not diagnosis-specific. “The same medication might be used for bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, or OCD. I don’t treat diagnoses—I treat symptoms,” Bartlik says. “What matters is what the person is experiencing: anxiety, insomnia, sadness. That’s where I start.”

A Spectrum, Not a Sentence

This perspective is especially relevant when working with patients on the autism spectrum. Bartlik recalls the profound impact of shifting diagnostic language, such as removing Asperger’s syndrome as a distinct category. “Someone with high-functioning autism may now be told they’re on the autistic spectrum, but that term covers such a wide range. It can feel overwhelming and discouraging for individuals trying to understand where they fit.”

She notes how identifying too strongly with a diagnosis can make patients gravitate toward others who share their label—not always for the better. “Instead of finding role models who inspire growth, they may get pulled into communities that reinforce a sense of limitation,” Bartlik cautions. However, she also shares stories of patients who have successfully overcome these limitations, finding inspiration and support in communities that focus on growth and resilience.

The Individual Behind the Symptoms

Bartlik’s approach is rooted in seeing each patient as a whole person rather than a collection of diagnostic codes. “Every individual is more than their challenges. They have strengths, talents, and potential that deserve recognition,” she says.

This philosophy shifts the therapeutic conversation from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What do you need to thrive?” By focusing on the person rather than the problem, Bartlik helps her patients cultivate resilience, self-compassion, and the belief that they are capable of growth and change. For instance, instead of focusing on the symptoms of anxiety, the conversation could revolve around what activities or support systems the patient needs to feel more at ease and in control.

The Final Word: Redefining Identity on Your Terms

A diagnosis can provide clarity and direction for treatment, but it should never define who you are. Bartlik urges her patients to see labels as tools—not identities. She clarifies that a diagnosis is a description of a set of symptoms or conditions, while an identity is a complex and unique combination of traits, experiences, and emotions. “You’re not broken. You’re not a diagnosis. You’re a person with challenges, yes, but also with dreams, talents, and a unique story to tell.”

Her message is both liberating and empowering: “Don’t let a label shrink your world. Use it only as a stepping stone toward understanding yourself better and finding the right support. Ultimately, you are so much more than any word on a medical chart.” Remember, you are not your diagnosis. You are a unique individual with a story to tell and a life to live.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Barbara Bartlik is a renowned integrative psychiatrist with over three decades of clinical experience, specializing in the intersection of mental health, sexual health, and functional medicine. Board-certified in psychiatry and a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, she is celebrated for her holistic approach to treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction.  As an editor of Integrative Sexual Health (a volume in Dr. Andrew Weil’s Integrative Medicine Library), Dr. Bartlik brings academic rigor to her innovative work. She integrates lifestyle medicine, nutritional strategies, and mind-body therapies into psychiatric care, helping patients achieve transformative healing.

A sought-after speaker and media contributor, she addresses audiences worldwide on topics from PTSD recovery to menopause and andropause support. Based in Manhattan, Dr. Bartlik continues to redefine mental health care for the modern age—bridging science, compassion, and whole-person wellness.