Have you ever felt your stomach drop before a big moment? Lost your appetite under stress? Or turned to comfort food when you're down?

You're not alone—and you're not imagining it.

In this episode of Beyond the Checkup, Stellis Health mental health practitioner Tom Hawkins joins host Pete Waggoner to unpack the powerful relationship between your brain, your emotions, and your digestion. Together, they break down why anxiety and appetite are so closely linked, how your nervous system plays a role, and what simple tools can help bring balance to your body and mind.

Whether you're dealing with nausea, overeating, or just wondering why your stomach reacts to stress—this episode will leave you thinking differently about the phrase “gut feeling.”

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• How anxiety and digestion are connected

• Why your appetite changes when you’re stressed

• What it means to have a “gut feeling”

• How trauma or chronic stress can cause long-term digestive issues

• Easy holiday tips for emotional and digestive wellness

• A practical breathing technique that signals your body to relax

  
  

Episode Highlights (Timestamps)

[00:02:15] Is “gut instinct” real? How our brain and body communicate
[00:04:08] Fight, flight—or digestion? How stress literally shuts down your gut
[00:07:22] Why anxiety can feel like a stomachache
[00:09:20] Top-down vs. bottom-up emotions—and how your gut and brain affect each other
[00:12:19] Why holidays throw off digestion and how to help your body adjust
[00:14:20] The small plate trick: easy mindful eating tip for big meals
[00:16:00] Appetite changes and mental health—what your eating habits are telling you
[00:20:00] A simple breathing exercise to calm your nervous system

Listen to all podcasts here: https://stellishealth.com/category/podcast/

The Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore About Your Mental Health

Have you ever told yourself “I’m just tired” or “I’ll be fine once things calm down” - but deep down you weren’t actually fine?

This episode of Beyond the Checkup shares why those thoughts matter.

Stellis Health mental health practitioner Tom Hawkins joins host Pete Waggoner to explain what counseling really looks like, how to know when it might be time to reach out, and what small tools can help you start feeling better now.

Whether you’re curious about therapy or looking for simple ways to manage stress and overwhelm, this episode is packed with practical advice.

Episode Highlights (Timestamps)

[00:01:00] What a mental health counselor does and the different credentials you might see

[00:03:11] The power of daily self-care, including movement, gratitude, and connection

[00:05:00] Red and yellow flags: subtle signs it might be time to seek support

[00:07:59] Common myths and misunderstandings about counseling

[00:11:00] How Tom helps patients track progress and build coping skills

[00:13:28] Practical tools: journaling, grounding techniques, gratitude

Resources Mentioned

• Tom Hawkins, MHPRAC, Mental Health - Monticello location

• Quiet by Susan Cain

• Calm app

• Stellis Health Podcasts & Blogs

Summary:
In this episode of Beyond the Checkup, host Pete Waggoner is joined by three Stellis Health experts—Dr. Lindsey Latteman, Dr. Amanda Zehrer, and Dr. Danielle Schirm—for an open, honest discussion about menopause and perimenopause.

The team breaks down what these phases really are, how symptoms vary, and what treatments can help women feel their best.

What You’ll Learn:

• The difference between perimenopause and menopause
  
• Common symptoms and surprising myths
  
• When to seek help—and why hormone therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all
  

Episode Highlights (Timestamps):

• 00:00 – Meet the Providers
  
• 00:38 – What Menopause Really Means
  
• 01:30 – Why It’s a Tunnel, Not a Doorway
  
• 02:09 – How Long Symptoms Can Last
  
• 03:41 – Top Symptoms: Hot Flashes, Brain Fog, and More
  
• 06:37 – Hormone Therapy: What It Is and Isn’t
  
• 08:42 – Support from Loved Ones
  
• 10:00 – Bioidentical Hormones Explained
  
• 12:00 – Why Hormone Testing Doesn’t Work
  
• 14:20 – Common Misconceptions & Cultural Attitudes
  
• 17:45 – The Importance of Pelvic Exams Post-Menopause
  
• 19:00 – Most Common Symptom Combinations
  
• 21:00 – Lifestyle Changes that Help
  
• 22:45 – The Menopause Society & Red Flags to Avoid
  
• 24:14 – Final Thoughts from Each Provider
  

Resources Mentioned:

• The Menopause Society
  
• Stellis Health Appointment Scheduling
  

Provider Bios:

• • Dr. Lindsey Latteman
  • Dr. Amanda Zehrer
  • Dr. Danielle Schirm, DO

Memorable Quotes:

“Menopause is a tunnel, not a doorway—you don’t just wake up one day and know you’re there.” – Dr. Lindsey Latteman

“This isn’t something you just have to live with. There are real solutions.” – Dr. Danielle Schirm

“It’s not about reversing age—it’s about feeling better today.” – Dr. Amanda Zehrer