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Ketamine in Psychiatry: A conversation with Mark Hrymoc, MD on the Recovery Lab Podcast

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Mark Hrymoc, MD, addiction psychiatrist and mental health clinician, was recently a guest on the Recovery Lab Podcast, a well-known show focused on addiction, mental health, and what true recovery looks like beyond sobriety. Hosted by Daniel Anderson, David Sugg, and Brynn Knox, the Recovery Lab Podcast is known for honest, grounded conversations with people in recovery, family members, and professionals working across the addiction and mental health space. The show explores the deeper roots of addiction, community-based healing, and practical approaches that move past surface-level solutions. In this episode, Mark Hrymoc, MD brings his clinical perspective as an addiction psychiatrist who specializes in treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. His work consistently emphasizes the importance of treating addiction and mental health conditions at the same time, rather than viewing them as separate or sequential issues. 🔗 Listen to the episode YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts To learn more …

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The Link Between Sleep Deprivation and Emotional Regulation

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Sleep plays a foundational role in mental health, yet modern life often deprioritizes it. Chronic sleep deprivation disrupts emotional regulation, impairs judgment, and increases vulnerability to anxiety and depression. Although most adults need seven to nine hours of quality sleep, surveys suggest that nearly one in three Americans consistently fall short. Understanding how lack of sleep affects the brain and learning strategies to improve rest can have profound benefits for emotional well-being. How Sleep Impacts Emotional Health Sleep is when the brain restores its balance and consolidates emotional experiences. During deep sleep and REM cycles, neural networks reorganize, allowing individuals to process stress, regulate mood, and integrate memories. When sleep is insufficient, this system falters. Neuroimaging studies show that sleep deprivation causes the amygdala—the brain’s center for processing emotions—to become up to 60% more …

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The Benefits of Exercise for Managing Anxiety and Depression

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Exercise is one of the most effective nonpharmacologic treatments for anxiety and depression, offering a broad range of psychological and biological benefits. While often discussed in the context of physical health, regular movement directly supports the brain’s ability to regulate mood, process emotions, and build resilience. For individuals living with anxiety or depression, incorporating consistent exercise can help reduce symptom severity, improve sleep, enhance self-esteem, and support long-term recovery. The Science Behind Exercise and Mood Exercise influences multiple biological systems that govern emotional health. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins—natural chemicals that produce feelings of pleasure and reduce the perception of pain. It also increases serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that regulate motivation, concentration, and mood. These chemical shifts can create a sense of calm and well-being, often referred to as the “exercise …

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The Connection Between Gut Health and Mental Health

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Over the past decade, research has uncovered a powerful connection between the gut and the brain that has reshaped how we understand mental health. This relationship, known as the gut-brain axis, describes the communication between the digestive system and the central nervous system. Scientists now recognize that the gut microbiome—the community of microorganisms living in our intestines—plays a significant role in regulating mood, cognition, and stress response. Understanding how gut health influences mental well-being can help individuals make lifestyle choices that support both emotional and physical health. The Gut-Brain Axis Explained The gut and brain are connected through a network of pathways involving the vagus nerve, immune signaling, and hormones. This bi-directional communication means that gut health can influence brain function and vice versa. The gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and …

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Managing Mental Health During the Holidays

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but for many people, it can also bring stress, loneliness, and emotional exhaustion. Expectations around family, finances, and social gatherings may heighten anxiety or sadness, and the contrast between festive surroundings and personal struggles can deepen feelings of isolation. Prioritizing mental health during the holidays is essential to maintain balance, manage stress, and create space for genuine connection and rest. Acknowledge Your Feelings It’s important to remember that it is okay to feel unhappy, anxious, or overwhelmed during the holidays. Suppressing difficult emotions can make them stronger over time. Instead, acknowledge what you are feeling without judgment. A 2020 study published in Emotion found that emotional acceptance—allowing yourself to experience feelings as they arise—reduces long-term distress and supports emotional regulation. …

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