Spotlights
Kristina Mack
Though she prides herself on being a student, GVSU chemistry professor, and a mother, Kristina Mack is more than what others can see and, at times, more than she can see herself. Poor mental health has been a part of Kristina’s life since she was young because of her tricky genetics, and up until recently, even she hadn’t fully understood it.
“I have not integrated myself with my surroundings, and though diet and exercise are a part of my routine, a medicinal regimen was absent.”
Throughout her life, Kristina has had to be reclusive, self-centralized, hyper-focused, often locking herself in her room for days get all of her work done. Unfortunately, one of the medications she had taken seemed to have the worst effects on her, seeming to give her all of the side effects possible.
After riding a waiting list for almost half a year, Kristina finally found her answer through genetic testing. She met with an expert in integrated medicine in Grand Rapids, and it was revealed that she has several variants in her alleles that slow down her metabolism of certain medications and link her to a variety of neurological conditions. A unique variant Kristina inherited has been connected to ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders), ADHD, cancer, and depression, to name a few. Though this diagnosis can be daunting, Kristina is comforted to finally be able to put a name to what she has dealt with her whole life, and she has begun to accept it.
“For me, it’s about realizing I’m not alone. There are other people out there who can lead professional lives.”
Though acceptance of herself is coming more easily, it’s still incredibly hard for Kristina if she finds herself off track. Therapy has helped her a lot, and she utilizes Priority Health’s health coaches, who she likes to call “life coaches,” to help her with research on her condition, ideal diets, and fitness habits. Kristina has hopes for a community of faculty, staff, and students at GVSU who are struggling with mental health to come together. As for a future with her mental health, she hopes that the way people view mental health will change.
“To avoid suffering for the individual and their community, mental health should blend medication, exercise, mindfulness, and diet.”
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