 We’ve all been there – had moments of self-doubt, sadness or grief. More often than not, a combination of time, self-reflection and a little support from our loved ones is enough to help us manage to snap out of our rut. But what happens when – in spite of your best intentions – those feelings of despair and uncertainty linger? What happens when those feelings start to impact your work life, your relationships, or your ability to see hope for the future? You may be hesitant to seek out care. You may be fearful of being labeled as ‘crazy’ or started on a medication that may make you feel like you are not quite yourself anymore. Once you have moved beyond the initial hesitation and made the decision to contact someone for care – you may find yourself overwhelmed with the sheer number of choices available – psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker, counselor – how does one possibly decide? All too often, the person that you ultimately end up seeing is left to the luck of the draw – often times seeing the next available provider who happens to have an opening and happens to accept your health insurance. You hope to find someone who is caring, compassionate, and actually listens. You also hope that, in addition to having good bedside manner, the person actually knows how to help you solve your problem. One of the most common complaints that I hear from patients is that my doctor seems like a nice enough person but I just feel like all he or she wanted to do was throw medications at me. Unfortunately, the reality of today’s mental health care system means that health care providers are asked to do more and more with less and less. The consequence of this frenzy to pack more and more patients into each day is that the focus of the interaction becomes how to eliminate symptoms rather than how to achieve optimal health.
This is where Imara Health and Wellness is different. Instead of relying on insurance premiums, Imara sets its rates directly with its patients. This allows us to be able to focus on what is most important – wellness, not disease. Imara’s core principles include: Balance – Our bodies are exquisitely designed to maintain a state of internal balance. Illness is often the body’s signal that its internal balance has somehow been disrupted. My job as a physician is to figure out the cause of the imbalance and work to fix it. Nutrition – Food is medicine. Proper nutrition is key to maintaining optimal health. My job as a physician is to help you figure out the best food choices to keep your body as happy and healthy as possible. Education – There is an overwhelming amount of information floating around about the next big thing in wellness. From superfoods to nutritional supplements, it is easy to get caught up in the latest hype. My job as a physician is to help you cut through the noise and design a plan that is safe, effective and has the evidence to back it up. Empowerment – My ultimate job as a physician is to empower you to become a steward of your own health and architect of your own destiny. One of my favorite African proverbs states that smooth seas do not make skillful sailors. Although each of our experiences provide valuable lessons, we sometimes find ourselves in need of a bit of guidance along the way. Imara is here to help you navigate life’s journey. Take the first step toward reclaiming your health and sign up for the Imara newsletter today. Better yet, contact us to schedule your first visit. Your journey to wellness starts here. Be Well and God Bless, -Reba Peoples, M.D.
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