Mindful Healing Behavioral Health LLC

03/01/2026

March 1st 💛

There’s a lot that feels unpredictable right now in the world. It’s okay if you’ve felt it. The tension. The uncertainty. The mental fatigue.

But a new month is a quiet reminder that we still get to choose how we show up in our own lives.

You can protect your peace.
You can step back from the noise.
You can build small routines that make your home feel steady.

Not everything is within our control. But your nervous system still matters. Your boundaries still matter. Your energy still matters.

Go into March focusing on what you can nurture, what you can strengthen, and what you can let go of.

Calm doesn’t come from the world settling down.
It comes from deciding you don’t have to carry all of it. 💛

02/28/2026

Saturday Morning Thoughts ☀️

Social media makes “busy” feel normal.

I get it — some weekends are packed with activities. Mine are too sometimes.

But there’s something special about the no-plan weekends.

Slow mornings.
Something baking in the oven.
A walk in the sun.
Coffee sipped, not rushed.
Cleaning and organizing because it feels grounding.
Conversations that linger, without the clock ticking.

Slowness isn’t lazy.
It resets your nervous system.
It reconnects you — with yourself, your kids, your loved ones.

There are a lot of us choosing calm on purpose.
Not because we can’t do busy,
but because we understand what peace does for mental health.

As a mental health provider, I encourage you to embrace simplicity for your nervous system. 💛

Enjoy your weekend!
-Ashlie

02/26/2026

02/26/2026

☀️ Vitamin D and mental health matter — which is why I always check it.

One of the most common things I see in practice?
Low vitamin D levels — and most patients have no idea until I check.

It’s often not included in routine labs. And while reference ranges typically list “normal” as 30–100 ng/mL, many people — especially here in the Midwest with long winters and limited sun exposure — run on the lower end.

Research shows that low vitamin D levels are linked to an increased risk of depressive symptoms in adults, and correcting deficiencies can improve mood and energy (Mo et al., BMC Psychiatry, 2023).

Vitamin D receptors are present in areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Low levels have been associated with:

• Depressive symptoms
• Increased anxiety
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Immune dysregulation
• Chronic inflammation

In my clinical experience, many patients feel best when their levels are closer to 40–70 ng/mL — not just barely above 30.

And sometimes, when we correct a deficiency, there is a noticeable shift in mood, clarity, and energy.

You can be doing the therapy.
Taking the medication.
Working on yourself.

But if your body is depleted, it matters.

I look at all of it.

If you see me for a mental health condition, you won’t have to ask me to check your vitamin D — it’s part of a comprehensive evaluation.

Because mental health is biological, too. ☀️

If you’re ready for care that looks deeper, let me know! Call for a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.
(765)-449-1856

-Ashlie Tislow, PMHNP-BC

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.

02/23/2026

Why I Check Homocysteine Levels in Mental Health 🧠

When we think about anxiety, depression, brain fog, or low motivation, most people assume it’s “just mental.”

But sometimes… it’s biochemical.

One lab I often check is homocysteine.

Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood that’s closely connected to:
• Folate
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B6
• Methylation pathways (how your brain makes and regulates neurotransmitters)

When homocysteine is elevated, it has been associated with:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Cognitive changes
• Fatigue
• Poor stress tolerance

Why does this matter?

Because elevated homocysteine may signal:
• Functional B12 or folate deficiency
• Methylation inefficiency
• Increased oxidative stress
• Neuroinflammation

And those directly affect how your brain produces serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

Sometimes optimizing these pathways can:
✔ Improve mood
✔ Support energy
✔ Enhance response to medication
✔ Reduce treatment resistance

Mental health is not separate from physical health. Your brain is an organ — and it deserves a full evaluation.

This is why I look deeper.

Because mental health deserves more than a prescription!

— Ashlie Tislow, PMHNP-BC

Supported by research published in Journal of Affective Disorders (2021), Nutrients (2022), Frontiers in Psychiatry (2023), and Translational Psychiatry (2024) examining homocysteine, one-carbon metabolism, and depressive symptom severity.

02/19/2026

I sit at this desk… and my patients sit on that couch.

From the outside, it might look like I have it all together simply because I’m the provider in the room.

But sitting here does not make me perfect.
I’ve lived with anxiety for as long as I can remember. I know what it feels like to overthink, to carry tension in my body, to have the “what ifs” get loud.

What’s different now is this:

I understand it.
I recognize my patterns.
I know my triggers.
I know what helps.

I understand the lifestyle factors that contribute to anxiety — movement, nutrition, sleep, nervous system regulation, deep breathing, talking things through, journaling. These things matter.

I also understand something equally important: sometimes anxiety isn’t just “in your head.” Sometimes there are underlying factors outside of your control — biological, hormonal, situational, stress-related — that need to be identified and addressed.

I’ve taken the time to understand those pieces in my own life, too.

And yes — I still have my days.

But anxiety doesn’t run my life. It doesn’t make my decisions. It doesn’t define me.

That’s why I sit at this desk.

Not because I’m flawless — but because I know how to respond to anxiety and how to look deeper when needed.

Strength isn’t the absence of struggle.
It’s understanding it — and knowing what to do next.

And that’s something we can build together. ❤️

02/14/2026

❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️

Today is about more than flowers and chocolate. It’s about connection.

Spending meaningful time with people we love actually improves mental health. Research shows that positive social connection can lower cortisol (our stress hormone), reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and even improve immune function.

An interesting fact: strong social relationships are associated with a 50% increased likelihood of longevity — comparable to the health impact of quitting smoking. Connection truly is powerful medicine.

Whether it’s a partner, child, friend, family member, or even a quick phone call to someone who feels safe — make space for connection today. Your brain and body will thank you. ❤️❤️

02/12/2026

Hello everyone ❤️😊

I wanted to take a moment (and be brave with a little desk selfie today 😊) to reintroduce myself and say thank you for being here and supporting my small business.

I bring 17 years of healthcare experience into my work as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Throughout those years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals during some of their most vulnerable moments. I’ve also seen how often people don’t feel fully heard or understood in healthcare—and that has deeply shaped how I practice today.

My approach is thoughtful, thorough, and centered on truly listening. I’m especially passionate about exploring the contributing factors that impact mental health and helping people understand the bigger picture, because insight and clarity are often key parts of real healing and feeling your best.

Thank you for following along. If you have questions or topics you’d like me to talk more about on here, feel free to reach out.

– Ashlie

02/10/2026

🧬 Do You Know Your MTHFR Status? It Could Affect Your Mental & Physical Health…

Did you know that tiny differences in your MTHFR gene can affect how your body uses folate — which can influence mood, anxiety, response to medications, and even certain physical health markers?

Here’s the truth:

Everyone has the MTHFR gene. Some people carry variants like C677T (C6) or A1298C.

C677T (C6) can reduce methylation efficiency, which may impact neurotransmitter production, mood, and homocysteine metabolism.

A1298C is usually milder but may still contribute, especially when combined with C677T.

⚖️ Research & Clinical Perspective

Research shows that MTHFR variants can affect folate metabolism and homocysteine levels, which may influence mental health (depression, anxiety, medication response) and physical health (elevated homocysteine can increase cardiovascular risk).

At the same time, studies note that having a variant does not guarantee symptoms, and genetics alone are only one part of the picture.

In my clinical experience, patients with MTHFR variants and elevated homocysteine often report increased anxiety, depressive symptoms, and medication sensitivity.

💡 Labs tell the real story
In my office, we evaluate functional labs, which assess how well methylation is working. These labs are typically covered by insurance, but coverage may vary:

Homocysteine → elevated levels may impact mental health and cardiovascular risk

Folate (B9)

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B6

These labs help guide safe, evidence-informed use of methylated vitamin supplements, which can support neurotransmitter synthesis and mental health. Proper guidance is important — taking supplements without evaluation may not be effective and can sometimes cause side effects.

🧬 GeneSight testing

For patients who have tried psychiatric medications, GeneSight testing may be covered by insurance.

It checks C677T (C6), but usually does not assess A1298C.

GeneSight helps guide medication metabolism and response, not methylation or supplement needs.

📌 Why this matters
People with MTHFR variants and elevated homocysteine often experience mental health challenges and may have additional risk factors for certain cardiovascular concerns. Functional labs, symptoms, and history are more informative than genetics alone, but genetics can provide helpful context when interpreted carefully.

✨ Take the guesswork out of your mental and physical health.
Schedule a visit for a personalized, evidence-informed assessment — genetics, labs (typically covered by insurance, coverage may vary), and guided methylated supplement support all in one place.

Sources: Bagher et al. (2024), Zhang et al. (2022 meta‑analysis), Wan et al. (2018), JAMA Psychiatry homocysteine data, and emerging research on MTHFR & vascular risk.
*Also based on in clinic practice*

⚠️ Legal & Safety Disclaimer:
This post is educational only and is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Testing, supplements, or medications should always be discussed and supervised by a licensed healthcare provider. Genetics and lab results are only part of a comprehensive assessment, and individual results may vary.

01/26/2026

Last week in my practice, I did more than prescribe medications.

I helped put pieces of the puzzle together. 🧩

Here’s what that looked like 👇

🧬 Identified an MTHFR variant
Because genetics can affect how someone processes folate and neurotransmitters, and understanding this can change how we support mood, energy, and medication response.

☀️ Diagnosed a severe Vitamin D deficiency
Low vitamin D is strongly linked to depression, fatigue, anxiety, and immune function. You can’t “think your way out” of a deficiency.

🩸 Uncovered iron deficiency
Iron plays a key role in energy, focus, mood, and even anxiety. Many people are told they’re “just tired” when there’s an underlying, fixable cause.

🤝 Helped someone get connected with a therapist
Because medication alone isn’t always the answer. Healing often requires the right support system, not just symptom management.

🧪 Ordered a GeneSight test for someone who has been on psychiatric medications for years, because guessing shouldn’t be the long-term plan. Understanding how someone metabolizes medications can reduce side effects and improve outcomes.

Plus, so much more!

And that’s the point.

Mental health care isn’t one-size-fits-all.
It’s about asking better questions, looking deeper, and treating the whole person.

If you’ve been feeling unheard, stuck, or like “nothing has worked,” there may be a reason — and there are other options.

✨ You don’t have to keep waiting. ✨

📞 Call 765-449-1856 to get started

01/20/2026

Love following this company! They are passionate about sharing education on the MTHFR folic acid deficient mutation that can wreak havoc on physical and mental health! I always educate my patients about the potential of this gene! 40-60% of the general population is walking around with this gene and they don’t know it!

How common Is MTHFR in America — and Is Synthetic Folic Acid Part of the Problem?

You’ve probably heard claims like “40–60% of Americans have MTHFR” or “synthetic folic acid is harming people with MTHFR.”
But what’s actually true — and what’s been misunderstood or exaggerated?

Let’s separate genetic fact from nutrition myth, and explain what the science really says.

⸻

What Is MTHFR? (In Plain English)

MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is an enzyme your body uses to convert folate into its active form, 5-MTHF.
This active folate is essential for:
• DNA synthesis and repair
• Detoxification and methylation
• Neurotransmitter balance
• Regulation of homocysteine (a cardiovascular and neurological risk marker)

Some people carry genetic variants in the MTHFR gene that reduce how efficiently this enzyme works.

⸻

How Common Are MTHFR Variants in the United States?

Very common — but context matters.

The two main variants:
• C677T
• A1298C

Research shows:
• ~40–50% of Americans carry one copy of C677T
• ~10–20% carry two copies (the form with the greatest reduction in enzyme activity)
• When both variants are considered, over half of the population carries at least one MTHFR polymorphism

Important distinction:
These are normal genetic variations, not diseases.

True severe MTHFR deficiency — a rare metabolic disorder — is extremely uncommon and is not what most people mean when they say “I have MTHFR.”

⸻

Does Having an MTHFR Variant Automatically Cause Problems?

No.

Most people with MTHFR variants:
• Live completely normal, healthy lives
• Never develop symptoms
• Are unaware they carry the variant

Health issues tend to appear only when genetic variants interact with lifestyle or environmental stressors, such as:
• Poor intake of B vitamins
• Chronic stress
• Alcohol or drug use
• Pregnancy
• Certain medications
• Elevated homocysteine levels

Genes influence risk — they do not determine destiny.

⸻

Does Synthetic Folic Acid Cause MTHFR?

No. This is a common myth.

MTHFR variants are inherited.
They are not caused by diet, supplements, food fortification, or environmental exposure.

Synthetic folic acid does not increase the prevalence of MTHFR variants.

⸻

So Why Is Folic Acid Controversial?

The debate isn’t about genetics — it’s about biochemistry.

Synthetic folic acid:
• Is not biologically active
• Requires multiple enzymatic steps to be converted into usable folate
• Relies partly on MTHFR activity
• Can accumulate in the bloodstream as unmetabolized folic acid when intake is high, especially from supplements

Some studies suggest individuals with reduced MTHFR enzyme activity may not convert folic acid efficiently, potentially leading to:
• Lower availability of active folate
• Elevated homocysteine
• Functional (not genetic) folate insufficiency

This does not mean folic acid is toxic — but it does mean it may not be the optimal form for everyone.

⸻

Why Folic Acid Fortification Still Exists

Mandatory folic acid fortification in the U.S. was introduced to reduce neural tube defects such as spina bifida — and it has been highly successful.

Public health bodies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to recommend folic acid for women of childbearing age because the population-level benefits are clear.

However, public health policy is designed for populations — not individual biochemistry.

⸻

Folic Acid vs Active Folate (5-MTHF)
• Folic acid is synthetic and requires conversion
• 5-MTHF is the bioactive form the body actually uses
• 5-MTHF bypasses the MTHFR enzyme
• 5-MTHF does not accumulate unmetabolized in the blood

For this reason, many clinicians now prefer methylfolate (5-MTHF) for people with:
• Known MTHFR variants
• Elevated homocysteine
• Neurological or mood concerns
• Cardiovascular risk factors
• Pregnancy planning or prior pregnancy complications

⸻

The Bottom Line
• MTHFR variants are common, not rare
• They are not diseases
• Synthetic folic acid does not cause MTHFR
• Some individuals simply function better with active folate instead of synthetic folic acid
• Personalized nutrition matters more than fear-based messaging

Understanding MTHFR is about optimizing biology, not creating anxiety.