S1 E8: Anxiety, Addiction & Disordered Eating: Quieting the Mind to Heal the Body: Tracy Armstrong

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-

Jackie Vandertuin Therapy
Combining orthopedic care with the tools of yoga therapy to help you recover.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Chapters

• 0:09 introduction
• 1:18 Childhood and the beginning of anxiety struggles: "just stop thinking!"
• 5:57 Adolescence to adulthood: eating disorders, perfection and hiding
• 13:47 Fighting the battle alone: alcohol and releasing the pressure valve
• 20:17 The low point in my life, a moral failing, trust and family: Homewood was lifesaving
• 25:07 Alcoholism doesn't discriminate: you don't know who is struggling
• 28:58 Reaching out is not a weakness, yoga enters my life and gives me energy
• 33:39 Meditation and escaping the chatter of the world
• 34:57 Unrelenting Life Standards 7/10 is good enough
• 36:33 Becoming a yoga teacher: teaching was not my goal
• 38:53 Yoga is more than physical
• 42:08 Settling the body but quieting the mind
• 44:36 Living with anxiety, using healthy tools to cope
• 46:06 Lessons learned on the mat that help off the mat, it takes practice
• 50:58 Advice to someone from someone who has been there
• 55:44 Thanks and reach out to the links for more information
• 56:34 Outro