Episode Details
Back to EpisodesS1 E8: Anxiety, Addiction & Disordered Eating: Quieting the Mind to Heal the Body: Tracy Armstrong
Description
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Tracy Armstrong, a retired school administrator and yoga teacher from Orangeville, Ontario, who shares a powerful and deeply honest story of anxiety, insomnia, perfectionism, eating disorder recovery, and alcoholism. Tracy opens up about growing up with chronic anxiety and the pressure to appear “perfect,” and how these early experiences gradually manifested into disordered eating and later addiction.
With vulnerability and clarity, Tracy reflects on the moment she realized her drinking was affecting her time with her family—a turning point that led her toward addiction recovery, support, and healing. She discusses the tools that continue to sustain her today, from breathwork and mindfulness to time in nature and intentionally creating space for herself when she feels overwhelmed.
Tracy reminds us that her story is not uncommon. Along her path, she received meaningful support, including care at Homewood Health Centre, which played a significant role in her recovery journey. Her story is a testament to the power of asking for help, listening to your body, and reconnecting with practices that bring grounding, clarity, and compassion.
A gentle note before listening:
This podcast occasionally explores sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma, addiction, and eating disorders. Please listen in a way that feels safe and supportive for you. If anything begins to feel heavy, it’s completely okay to pause, take space, or reach out for additional support. This podcast shares personal stories and healing practices, but it is not a substitute for professional mental health care.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or mental health challenges, you are not alone. Below are resources in Canada that can help:
Support Resources
Alcohol & Substance Use Support
- Canadian Centre for Addictions: https://canadiancentreforaddictions.org/contact-us/
Call 1-877-533-1817
Treatment & Recovery
- Homewood Health Centre (mental health, trauma, addiction, and co-occurring conditions):
Call 1-866-725-1450 or visit homewoodhealthcentre.com
Emergency & Crisis Support (Canada and USA)
- If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical help, call 9-1-1.
- If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24/7.
Combining orthopedic care with the tools of yoga therapy to help you recover.
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This episode is sponsored by Jackie Vandertuin Therapy. With over 30 years of practice as a Certified Athletic Therapist and professor of Athletic Therapy, coupled with her experience as a yoga therapist, Jackie Vandertuin MSc, CAT(C), will help guide you in the management and treatment of various disorders including: low back pain, sprains, strains, anxiety and depression. Reach out www.jackievandertuintherapy.com for a free discovery call.
If would like to be a guest of this podcast, please reach out to jackie@jackievandertuintherapy with a short bio of your story and how yoga has helped you in your jo