Exploring Life & Business with Dr. Mykayla Werner of Ananda Health PLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Mykayla Werner.

Hi Dr. Werner, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I had always wanted to become a doctor ever since I was a young girl. The desire to help others was instilled in me at a young age. When I was 12 years old, my house caught on fire and the incident changed my life forever. I began to experience debilitating anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. It was like a switch went off and the world became a very unsafe place. My anxiety became so severe, that at one point I was afraid to leave the house altogether. I began to see a psychiatrist and psychologist in order to seek relief but unfortunately, found limited benefit.

At one point, I was place on over 8 different pharmaceuticals. When I would start one medication, then I would have to start another one in order to treat a side effect from the first one. This snowball effect went on and on. I felt worse on the medications than I ever had before. I gained a ton of weight, experienced tremors, and had terrible insomnia. It was a very dark time in my life. I soon realized that this was not the route to health. With the guidance of my doctor I was able to wean myself off the medications and just continue with therapy.

As the years went on my anxiety became more manageable, however, it was still always present, lingering in the background. As I continued to grow up I still maintained my desire to become a doctor. However, I realized the standard medical professional was not what I wanted. I believe I was guided by my own subconscious desire to find the way to true health and wellness. I began to look into alternative health fields. That was when I discovered naturopathic medicine and the occupation of a naturopathic doctor. A naturopathic doctor is a licensed medical doctor who can prescribe medications as well as focus on alternative health practices such as acupuncture and homeopathy. I was like, “OMG this is it!” After I received my Bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University in Michigan, I moved across the country to go to Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. Little did I know that not only was I about to embark on my medical career but it would also ignite my own healing journey.

As a student, I saw several other naturopathic doctors who helped guide me. With dietary/lifestyle changes and naturopathic remedies I began to truly come into my own. The daily anxiety and depression began to improve. I remember waking up one day and it was like I could finally feel the sun on my face again. I thought, “Is this what life is like without constant anxiety and depression?!” Ever since my passion has been to help others who are struggling. I dedicated my life to the profession in order to help guide others to discover the meaning of true health and wellness.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As I had stated before, my healing journey had really begun while in medical school. So not only did I face this new obstacle of a rigorous four year medical program, but I was also faced with my own inner shadow work. I didn’t realize it at the time, but in hindsight, I recognize that the program helped to illuminate areas in my life that needed healing. Upon starting medical school, I would often become triggered within different scenarios and had once again experienced the debilitating anxiety and panic attacks that had once ruled my life. This encouraged me to become more proactive in my own healing journey. I had to acknowledge and address my own childhood trauma which I had spent most of my life repressing and pretending wasn’t there. If anyone else has done shadow work then you know that it can be pretty intense facing your deepest and darkest of fears. However, I am so grateful that I put in the work as it not only has allowed myself to heal, but has allowed me to facilitate healing at an even deeper level with my patients. One of my favorite principles of naturopathic medicine is “Physician, Heal Thyself.” This encourages the physician to truly walk the walk and to actually practice what they preach. It is my own personal belief that we can only guide others as far as we are willing to go ourselves especially when it comes to mental health.

As you know, we’re big fans of Ananda Health PLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
In 2020, I became a naturopathic doctor and opened my own practice called Ananda Health. “Ananda” is the Sanskrit word meaning joy, happiness, or bliss. My passion is to help others and to bring them back into their natural state of health. I strive to help them reignite their joy and passion for life again. Although I treat a variety of conditions ranging from migraines to fibromyalgia, my passion is in treating mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Depending on the complexity and severity of the case, I will work alone or alongside one’s psychiatrist if needed. Naturopathic medicine can even be helpful to those who have already been established on pharmaceuticals. Unfortunately, for some people, medications may not be enough. Naturopathic medicine can help enhance the efficacy of the medications or prevent one from needing them altogether, depending on the case. Many medications can also deplete your body of certain nutrients so it is beneficial to have a naturopath on board to help prevent this from occurring.

Naturopathic medicine is different from other fields of medicine in that we work to address the root cause of an ailment. We do not just prescribe a medication to suppress or cover up a symptom. We work to address the root cause of that symptom in order to bring the body back into its natural state of alignment. What sets me apart from other practitioners is my own health experiences. I understand how difficult it can be living with anxiety and depression and the strength that it takes to continue to fight another day. I understand the frustration in not being heard or seen by other health care professionals who just want to throw meds at you. For those who are currently struggling with their mental health. Please know that there is hope. There are other alternative avenues for healing available. Keep on fighting the good fight. I promise it will be worth it in the end!

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am a first generation college grad. I am the first in my family to attend college, let alone, medical school!

Pricing:

• 125/hr

Contact Info:

• Email: drwerner@anandahealth.care
• Website: www.anandahealth.care
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drwernernd/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnandaHealthND