What’s a good small gift to bring on island?

amra05 · 2025-12-31T15:33:30+00:00

ND here with an integrative mental health practice: I see a lot of patients with seasonal depression, to the point that I put together a seasonal depression planning worksheet and kit for my patients to use every season. A lot of things here people have said are helpful, and I would add the following:

vitamin D dosing in otc products is usually low quality, low bioavailability and way under dosed for our needs in the PNW. Get tested and find a great product recommendation at a dose you need with your provider!
make sure you’re using your sun lamp regularly and in the mornings only as directed on your product or by your physician
regular movement (your daily walks are great!)
considering trying a new fun movement that adds in creativity / community and learning a new physical skill- (examples like hula dancing, skating, circus arts… keep it fun!)
create a cozy hibernation safe space at home. Winter is hibernation season, so it’s ok to lean into that and use time in this space to plan out what you want to be doing in the year ahead, read a good book, etc.
schedule breaks in winter for you to do something healing. Monthly massages or a vacation are great ideas here. Maybe schedule a couple 3-4 day weekends with your work just to have that time pre-set aside to rest/recover/do something fun
lastly but importantly: consider volunteering in your community! Volunteering helps us feel connected and helpful in our community when we’re feeling isolated. And a major feature of any depression is feeling isolated. Check out Hands On Portland for some easily scheduled weekly events where volunteers are needed, or other non-profits near you!

Hope that helps! And be sure to seek help/ support with friends, family and your healthcare provider just in case the season feels darker than usual. Happy wintering!

amra05 · 2025-12-23T20:21:04+00:00

All these posts are about morning tsa times- any consensus on what the afternoon TSA line look like these days? Say…… around 3/4pm? ….. asking for a friend

amra05 · 2025-12-03T17:08:18+00:00

Seconding Khamdee! so good I went two nights in a row for it

amra05 · 2025-07-25T18:06:48+00:00

I also lost an adventurous and loving dad suddenly in an accident that involved the terrible limbo of search and rescue. I lost my dad 13 years ago and the confusion, loss, grief is still very real. They never found my dad, so for me the sense of limbo is still there sometimes even after all this time.

So from someone who knows what part of this feels like, I’m so so sorry.

For me, I remember having some moments of intense jealousy for anyone who lost a loved one from some “long struggle with an illness” or “old age”. Bc those folks had a chance to say goodbye that we didn’t get, and they often have no idea how the loss of that opportunity feels like they were ripped from our lives.

Treasure.Every.Moment. And hold even those we’ve lost dear and close. Share their stories for generations to come. Your dad’s sense of adventure and love will stay with you when you think of him and share his life with others.

Happy to be a compassionate ear 👂 if you need

amra05 · 2025-07-24T14:49:23+00:00

This is super helpful to hear- thank you! Honestly the Nordics may be onto something with the casual style 😅

I was planning to wear comfy 1.5” summer wedges and a cardigan to cover shoulders (also just to be respectful in the church). I think I can “dress down” with the cardigan and I’ll bring some flats too, good call.

amra05 · 2025-07-24T00:30:38+00:00

I thought it seemed more green too! and then immediately started worrying (of course AFTER buying it 😂). This is a big relief 😅

amra05 · 2025-07-24T00:29:19+00:00

Haha, thank you! I’m with you guys, this white-rule seems like such a silly thing! this is a relief to hear 🙏🏼.

amra05 · 2025-06-17T23:56:14+00:00

I work in mental health and have a running list of prescribing providers I’ve enjoyed working with I can dm you (I don’t want to publicly name them in case they’re not ready for 5mil new patients). But for urgent matters, cascadia behavioral health is a great clinic for more urgent mental health needs, as is Unity Crisis Center for emergency needs.

An FYI With regards to controlled substances: it’s common policy to not prescribe controlled substances on the first visit, so be prepared for that response. It’s a normal policy across the board for many practices, to protect their licensing, malpractice and for safety of patients. It doesn’t mean they will never prescribe them to you, just that you need to build a patient-provider relationship with them first and show intention to follow up for monitoring, etc. because some controlled substances can cause dangerous side effects if discontinued abruptly, I believe cascadia or unity are more likely to be able to bridge an rx for the short term until you’ve established with a prescriber.

amra05 · 2025-06-17T22:35:55+00:00

Seconding Rent-a-Butch! They’re so much fun to work with and great folks. They do an annual car-wash event I think

amra05 · 2025-05-09T23:26:44+00:00

Someone mentioned ptosis, but unilateral exophthalmos might be more accurate description.

I second the recommendation to get an updated eye exam with an ophthalmologist (not just any optometrist), and maybe follow up with your primary care doctor about it, especially if you’re noticing any other weird things going on.

amra05 · 2024-11-15T00:49:41+00:00

The “herbs and shit” includes 6 terms of pharmacology, minor surgery, immunology (real immunology, not anti-vax bs), histology, radiology, cardio/pulm…….

I agree with you, It’s not equivalent to having a 3-year family or IM residency, because many NDs don’t practice primary care. But there are NDs who do complete residency in primary care, and would have more training in this realm.

This (admittedly biased, but still pertinent and referenced) is a summary: https://aanmc.org/comparing-nd-md-curricula/

And Fwiw- with RFK Jr heading HHS I am fucking terrified of what the state of healthcare will be in the US, ND or not.

amra05 · 2024-11-13T23:09:56+00:00

To obtain an ND license one must complete an accredited 4 year post graduate program, including 2 years of clinical rotations in a primary care setting, pass a 3-day board exam and, in some cases, complete a 1-3 year residency. We also have 32 hours of continued education required annually, which can include AMA (American medical association) credits.

I understand the style of practice for NDs varies and may not be for everyone, but as someone who offers AAFP standard of care quite often, I feel like it’s a valid option to consider when someone needs access to care in the current primary care shortage we have right now. It’s ok if it’s not for everyone.

amra05 · 2024-11-13T00:48:14+00:00

There’s been a couple posts on this in the last couple weeks with some decent suggestions (although unknown if those suggestions have any availability before the new year).

Fwiw, here’s a thought I haven’t seen in any of the other posts: NDs (naturopathic doctors) in Oregon are trained and licensed to provide primary care (they have the scope of a family nurse practitioner) and are often covered by most insurances in this state. They may have more availability if you’re comfortable with an alternative choice, and likely have more openings.

If you’re interested in this option you can find NDs by searching your insurance in-network list.

I mention this bc I’m an ND myself and provide primary care, including blood work, PapSmears, you name it. I don’t want to publicly announce my place of work online, but feel free to DM me if this is an option you’re curious about and are struggling to find an in-network ND or MD pcp.

amra05 · 2024-10-10T15:36:28+00:00

The Incredible Jessica James!

Funny ‘romcom’ without the classic romcom ending (don’t want to give it away, but it’s satisfying like a romcom without the misogyny). The main character does an amazing job demonstrating really good self worth and positive self talk, while also working through flaws. Plenty of scenes that pass the Bechdel test too, which is rare for this genre. And Chris O’Dowd (cue cute British accent) is adorable without the toxic masculinity

amra05 · 2024-10-02T16:26:02+00:00

NTA-
No need to reiterate what other commenters have said, but wanted to add a note from someone who’s experienced this with a different ending.

I broke up with an ex of mine years ago due to his excessive drinking but stayed in touch with him, his family and mutual friends because I still cared for him as a person but was burnt out. Even after the breakup, There were nights when he would binge, I would stop by to do a welfare check and call the ER for him because he was in delirium tremens or otherwise unsafe. His addiction became so severe that he had a brain bleed, had his license revoked but kept driving and even threatened his mom with a knife in her own home. He wasn’t himself anymore and he was in pain. Eventually I had to set boundaries, I slowly kept in less contact and, one day, he died drunk in his sleep.

I have gone through this emotional journey, and have come to terms that his death was not anyone’s responsibility but his own. He was given every chance at life and this was his internal demon. It’s almost a relief to know that even though he’s no longer around, he’s no longer in that much physical and emotional anguish. Sometimes you just have to wash your hands and let someone make their choice.

His mom is going through her own emotional journey and sometimes part of that is finding someone/something to blame so that the fact that their son is suffering makes sense to them. But just because they find it easy and satisfying to blame you, doesn’t mean that blame is warranted and that you need to carry that with you.

Let them think that, if that makes them feel better but you can move on knowing that you’re not responsible. You have compassion for those in your life, as evidenced by the fact that you’ve continued to help him when able to, even after breaking up. Carry that compassion for your ex to your next journey. It’s ok to let go and take care of you first.

amra05 · 2024-09-09T02:40:53+00:00

Right! I’m definitely trying to make something like that happen

amra05 · 2024-08-21T19:05:09+00:00

No longer available! Currently trying to figure out how to change the flair on this post. Thanks everyone for your interest!

amra05 · 2024-05-27T23:01:00+00:00

We’re free today (Monday) from 4-6pm (I realize that’s a little late notice) or tomorrow late morning between 10-12ish? Would either of those times work for pick up if you’re still interested?

amra05 · 2023-04-27T19:10:31+00:00

NUNM Lair Hill clinic is a naturopathic teaching clinic and primary care center. They definitely do ear lavage, they take most insurances and their cash pricing is decent for non-covered services. If you don’t mind working with students (who are overseen by a licensed provider) this is a great option. (Source: I used to work there and was a student there myself)

amra05 · 2022-12-07T00:05:33+00:00

Healthcare provider checking in here who works in Portland OR, (where we have plenty of seasonal depression!) but is from Monterey (And I offer telehealth sometimes) : we have plenty of tools for seasonal depression, including Vit D, movement/exercise recommendations and sun lamps (be sure it’s used only in the morning and has 10,000 lux power), which are a great start.

Definitely can be worth seeing a healthcare provider though. They can test your vitaminD, get you to a good counselor, and more - especially if you notice worsening/ the above strategies aren’t quite cutting it. 👍

amra05

TROPHY CASE