You Can’t Have Mental Health Without Physical Health

Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy. In this episode of Spectrum in Camouflage, I'm pushing myself to use some bigger words—starting with “parasympathetic nervous system”—because today, we’re digging into what stress really does to our minds and bodies.

I get real about what it feels like to be stuck in fight-or-flight mode, especially when parenting a child with autism, juggling work, and trying to stay mentally strong. I share how a simple five-minute chiropractic adjustment helped reset my nervous system and got me back on track mentally, physically, and emotionally. We talk about why Mental Health Awareness Month matters, how showing up even when you're not at 100% is still powerful, and why mental and physical health go hand in hand.

Plus, I shout out Maximum Potential Chiropractic in Medina—because sometimes just taking that time for yourself is what flips the switch. If you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Mental and physical health are deeply connected. You can't fix one without addressing the other.
• The parasympathetic nervous system (aka “rest and digest”) helps your body calm down from stress—but sometimes we need help activating it.
• Chiropractic care helped me shift out of burnout and regain mental clarity and energy.
• Self-care isn't selfish or silly. It's survival.
• Running for a cause can reignite purpose and help us reconnect with meaning beyond our day-to-day.
• You don’t need to give 100% all the time—just showing up is powerful.
• Hydration with electrolytes can drastically impact mood, sleep, and anxiety.
• Mental health struggles are real and you're not alone. If you're in the trenches, I'm there too—and we can help each other.

Let’s build a village. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com to follow along, share your story, and connect with others who get it.

Email me anytime at [e-mail] if you have a question, idea, or just need to talk.

Together, we can support each other—one adjustment, one run, one small choice at a time.

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Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at [e-mail].

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference—one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.