21: Redefining Mental Health: Integrative Care, Burnout & the Invisible Load with Dr. Britt Ritchie

In this powerful episode, Dr. Ciara Martin is joined by psychiatric nurse practitioner Dr. Britt Ritchie to explore a new way forward in mental health care—one that centers women, honors the full spectrum of healing, and digs deep into the why behind burnout, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.

Together, they unpack the invisible mental load many women carry, and how traditional mental health systems often overlook the root causes of suffering. Dr. Ritchie shares her personal and professional journey into integrative psychiatry, emphasizing the value of genetic testing, self-advocacy, and holistic approaches to mental wellness.

This episode is both a call to action and an invitation to remember: your story matters, your body is wise, and healing is possible.

In this episode, we explore:

• How integrative care differs from traditional psychiatric treatment
• The link between burnout, ADHD, anxiety & women’s mental load
• How genetic testing can support more effective, personalized care
• Why treating root causes (not just symptoms) leads to true healing
• The role of self-advocacy and cross-disciplinary collaboration
• Personal stories as medicine for resilience and connection

Timestamps
[01:00] Meet Dr. Britt Ritchie: Redefining Mental Health
[05:25] The Shift from Traditional to Integrative Care
[11:28] Understanding Root Causes of Mental Health Issues
[17:31] Personal Stories of Struggle and Resilience
[23:09] The Invisible Mental Load on Women
[29:23] Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare
[35:21] The Power of Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
[41:10] Genetic Testing and Personalized Care
[47:12] Final Reflections & Resources