Lievy Psychiatry, LLC

12/25/2025

Joyful Christmas

12/16/2025

Glycine and magnesium glycinate are commonly used together to support sleep, and for many people they work gently rather than sedatingly. Here’s a clear, evidence-based breakdown so you can decide if they’re right for you.

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Glycine for sleep

What it does
• Glycine is an amino acid that acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
• It helps lower core body temperature, which signals the brain that it’s time to sleep.
• It can improve sleep quality more than sleep onset for some people.

Potential benefits
• Faster sleep onset
• Deeper, more restorative sleep
• Reduced next-day fatigue or “brain fog”
• May calm racing thoughts

Typical dose
• 3 grams, taken 30–60 minutes before bed
• Powder form is common (slightly sweet taste)

Side effects
• Generally very well tolerated
• Rarely: mild stomach upset or headache if taken in high doses

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Magnesium glycinate for sleep

Why this form
• Magnesium glycinate is magnesium bound to glycine
• Highly bioavailable
• Less likely to cause diarrhea than citrate or oxide

What it does
• Supports GABA activity (calming neurotransmitter)
• Helps relax muscles and the nervous system
• May reduce nighttime awakenings and restlessness

Typical dose
• 200–400 mg of elemental magnesium, taken in the evening
• Check the label carefully—capsules list elemental magnesium, not total compound weight

Side effects
• Usually mild
• Too much may cause loose stools or grogginess

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Using glycine + magnesium glycinate together

They’re often synergistic:
• Magnesium calms the nervous system
• Glycine supports sleep depth and temperature regulation

How to take them
• Magnesium glycinate: with dinner or 1–2 hours before bed
• Glycine: closer to bedtime (30–60 minutes)

This spacing can reduce GI discomfort and improve effectiveness.

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Who may benefit most
• Light sleepers
• People with stress-related insomnia
• Those who wake frequently during the night
• Individuals sensitive to stronger sleep aids

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Who should be cautious

Talk to a healthcare professional first if you:
• Have kidney disease
• Take medications that affect magnesium levels (e.g., certain diuretics)
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are already using sleep medications or sedatives

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What this combo won’t do
• It’s not a knockout sedative
• It won’t override severe insomnia caused by untreated anxiety, depression, sleep apnea, or chronic pain

Think of it as supporting healthy sleep physiology, not forcing sleep.

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Practical tip

If you’re new to supplements:
• Start low (e.g., 100–200 mg magnesium + 1–2 g glycine)
• Increase gradually over a few nights

If you want, I can help you:
• Fine-tune dosing based on your sleep issue (falling asleep vs staying asleep)
• Compare this combo to melatonin or L-theanine
• Identify signs you’re taking too much or too little

Just let me know.

12/09/2025

🎄 Understanding the Holiday Blues

The holiday blues are feelings of sadness, stress, or loneliness that show up around the holiday season. They’re quite common and usually temporary — but very real.

Common Signs

You might be experiencing the holiday blues if you notice:
• Low mood or feeling down more often than not
• Increased stress or irritability
• Fatigue or low motivation, even for things you usually enjoy
• Changes in sleep — sleeping too much or too little
• Trouble concentrating
• Feeling lonely, disconnected, or like you don’t fit in
• Financial stress or pressure to “keep up”
• Grief resurfacing from past losses
• Social overwhelm or, on the flip side, isolation

If these feelings are intense or long-lasting, they could be more than holiday blues — in that case, reaching out to a professional is important.

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✨ Why the Holiday Blues Happen

Common triggers include:
• High expectations (“I should be happy”)
• Family conflicts or complicated relationships
• Loneliness or lack of social support
• Financial pressure from gifts, travel, or events
• Overcommitting and burnout
• Seasonal changes, including shorter daylight hours
• Memories of loved ones who aren’t here

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💪 How to Fight the Holiday Blues

1. Set realistic expectations

Not every moment has to be magical. Give yourself permission to have a “good enough” holiday.

2. Create your own traditions

If old traditions feel painful or stressful, make small, meaningful ones of your own — a quiet movie night, a walk, a special meal, or volunteering.

3. Prioritize connection

You don’t need a big gathering. Even:
• One meaningful phone call
• A coffee with a friend
• Joining a community event
can make a difference.

4. Protect your time and energy

Say no to events that drain you. Plan downtime between gatherings.

5. Move your body

Walks, stretching, dancing — anything that gets your body activated can boost mood.

6. Get outside (or use light)

Sunlight or a light therapy lamp can help if darkness affects your mood.

7. Keep finances in check

Set a comfortable budget. Remember: thoughtful, low-cost gestures are just as meaningful as expensive gifts.

8. Limit alcohol

It can worsen mood and sleep. Notice how it affects you and adjust accordingly.

9. Practice grounding and gratitude

A few minutes a day listing things you’re grateful for — or simply taking deep breaths — can calm anxiety.

10. Seek support

Talk to someone you trust. If things feel overwhelming, reach out to a mental health professional. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

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🌟 A Helpful Reframe

If holidays are hard, it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It means you’re human — and aware of your emotional needs. That’s strength.

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If you’d like, I can also help you create:
• A self-care plan for the holiday season
• A short script for telling family you need boundaries
• A coping checklist for when the blues hit
• A social media post about mental health for the holidays

Just tell me what you need.

12/03/2025

Substance Use in Moderation During the Holidays 🎄🎄🎄🎄

The holiday season can be joyful but also stressful, making it easy to overindulge in alcohol or other substances. Practicing moderation helps you stay present, healthy, and in control.

Tips for Staying Balanced
• Set limits ahead of time. Decide how much you’ll drink or whether you’ll use anything at all before the event begins.
• Alternate with water or food. Staying hydrated and eating regularly reduces the urge to overuse substances.
• Know your triggers. Stress, family dynamics, or social pressure can make moderation hard—be aware of what affects you.
• Have an exit plan. If a situation feels uncomfortable or tempting, give yourself permission to leave.
• Support others. Encourage a culture where choosing not to drink or to drink lightly is respected.
• Listen to your body. If you start feeling off, slow down or stop—it’s always okay to say “no more.”
• Consider alcohol-free options. Mocktails and festive non-alcoholic drinks can help you enjoy the moment without overdoing it.

Why Moderation Matters
• Helps maintain physical and mental well-being
• Prevents next-day regret and health risks
• Keeps celebrations enjoyable and safer.

11/26/2025

Happy Thanksgiving!! Be safe and happy!

11/24/2025

🌱 Mental Health & The Power of Being Social

We often think of socializing as just hanging out, chatting, or catching up—but it’s so much more than that. Meaningful social connection is one of the most underrated contributors to good mental health.

Being around people who make us feel seen and supported can:
✨ Reduce stress
✨ Boost our mood
✨ Increase our sense of belonging
✨ Help us navigate tough emotions
✨ Strengthen resilience

But here’s the important part: being social doesn’t have to mean attending big events or forcing yourself into situations that drain you. It can be:
• A quiet coffee with someone you trust
• A quick call with a friend
• Joining a community with shared interests
• Even small, positive interactions throughout the day

Your mental health thrives when you allow yourself connection—on your own terms.

Reach out. Check in. Make space for the people who make you feel grounded.
You don’t have to do life alone.

11/24/2025

About me:
Did you know that I’ve been in nursing since 2006? I started as a pediatric LPN caring for immunocompromised infants and children. I slowly progressed up the ranks to working in hospitals as an RN (medical surgical). I enjoyed the different facets of patient care and met so many different cultures with unique diversities. My interest peeked into education, so I became a nursing instructor and LOVED it for 8 years. Through my lectures, I became immersed into the specialty of psychiatry. I learned we have a national deficit of providers and there’s stigmas that go unaddressed or misdiagnosed. My passion is to serve the community and help those that struggle with mental health challenges….
I want to be part of the solution, not the problem. I don’t believe in overprescribing or dismissing symptoms. I’m here to listen…let’s work together! 😊
In my free time, when I’m not seeing patients, I enjoy crocheting, watching documentaries, stargazing, and staying physically active.

11/19/2025

🎄🎄🎄

11/14/2025

Caplyta is now FDA indicated for major depressive disorder!!! 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
Ask me more…..

11/11/2025

Happy Veterans Day!!
Be safe, happy, and healthy!

10/29/2025