Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Caitlin Holmes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Caitlin, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
For most of my adult life, I’ve struggled with depression and PMDD. These experiences were compounded by an eating disorder, body dysmorphia, and a relentless inner critic that left me with poor self-esteem and an extreme lack of confidence. I felt as though I couldn’t show up fully in my life, held back by an overwhelming lack of trust in myself and a deep sense of guilt for having these experiences in the first place.
The turning point came during a time when my depression reached an unbearable low. I found myself increasingly disconnected from life. My marriage was strained, and I knew that if I didn’t seek help, things could spiral out of control. It was then that I made the decision to stop trying to “wing it” on my own and find a therapist—a decision that marked the beginning of my journey toward healing.
Therapy became a sanctuary where I could begin to untangle my past and learn the coping strategies I desperately needed. I started keeping a gratitude journal, which helped steer my mindset away from the negative. I also began to listen to my body’s needs, honoring them even when they conflicted with the demands of work or other responsibilities.
During this time, my community, therapist, and even podcasts became invaluable sources of support and inspiration. Hearing others share their struggles and victories reminded me that it was okay to not be okay, and that healing was possible. This shift in perspective was crucial as I navigated the painful process of healing from my past and taking responsibility for the life I wanted to live.
Through this journey, I developed the ability to recognize when I was having a low day—a skill that has been vital to my ongoing well-being. Instead of berating myself for feeling down, I’ve learned to acknowledge it and take gentle, compassionate action to soothe myself. Weight lifting, climbing, listening to music, walking in nature, baking, and cooking with color have all become essential practices that nourish my mental health.
Looking back, I realize that these challenges have shaped me into someone who understands, deeply, what it’s like to be your own worst critic. But I’ve also learned to love and trust myself, to believe that I am deserving of care and kindness—especially from myself. I know that my struggles may never fully disappear, but I am confident in my ability to navigate them with grace and resilience.
To anyone facing similar battles, my advice is to find your community, seek out a trusted therapist, and don’t be afraid to rest. Take time to engage in activities that bring you joy and peace, and never let burnout convince you that you don’t have a choice. Be your own advocate, believe in your worth, and know that you are not alone on this journey.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m the founder of Caitlin Holmes Nutrition, a nutrition coaching business dedicated to empowering active women and men who are navigating pivotal life transitions. My passion for this work stems from my own experiences of struggling with health challenges like hormonal imbalances, stress-related eating, and body image issues. I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed by conflicting information and societal pressures, and I’ve made it my mission to help individuals cut through the noise and find practical, evidence-based solutions that work for them.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals who are often overlooked or misunderstood in the health and wellness space. My approach is rooted in compassion, confidence, and education, with a focus on helping my clients feel empowered in their bodies and confident in their ability to make choices that support their well-being. I believe that every person deserves to feel their best, and I’m here to offer the guidance and support needed to make that a reality.
In addition to one-on-one coaching, I’m currently expanding my offerings to include group programs and workshops, both online and in Santa Fe, NM. These programs are designed to create a supportive community where individuals can learn, connect, and grow together. I’m also working on launching a series of educational resources that will be accessible to a wider audience, making evidence-based nutrition information available to anyone who needs it.
Through my business, I’m committed to building a brand that stands for empowerment, self-love, and holistic well-being, and I’m excited to continue growing this community of individuals who are ready to reclaim their health and confidence.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, three key qualities were instrumental in overcoming the challenges I faced: determination, commitment to my clients, and confidence in my knowledge. These qualities kept me on track even during moments of self-doubt or stress over self-imposed deadlines. They reminded me that I was capable of achieving my goals and that I could offer something truly valuable to those I serve.
In terms of skills, developing strong listening abilities, organizational strategies, and public speaking skills were essential in turning my passion for nutrition into a thriving business. I honed these skills over time through continuing education courses, webinars, business coaching, and practice. Each step of this learning process allowed me to connect more deeply with my clients, manage my business more effectively, and communicate my message with clarity and confidence.
The knowledge that has most shaped my approach to coaching comes from my background in climbing, ballet, and outdoor recreation. These experiences have given me a unique understanding of the challenges my clients might face, allowing me to approach them with compassion and empathy. Having been through similar struggles, I’m able to ask more insightful questions and serve as a living example of what it looks like to come out on the other side. My advice to those just starting out is to lean into your personal experiences, continually seek out learning opportunities, and never underestimate the power of determination and commitment to your clients.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
In the past 12 months, I’ve become a more effective business owner and practitioner. Early on in my business, I felt I had to take on every task because I couldn’t afford to hire anyone. I spent my hard-earned money on external support like business coaches or masterminds. While those were helpful for a time, I found that by funneling money out of my business and seeking external validation, I weakened the inner structure of my business. I finally hired an assistant to take on the tasks I do not enjoy or am not good at completing. Now, I have time to show up better and face less burnout.
Additionally, I have accepted that a portfolio career is more my style than a focused, single career. I have taken on contract writing and management opportunities in addition to my nutrition coaching business because I love variety. Having a flexibile and variable income stream has helped me reach my income goals and prevented the ongoing battle against burnout!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.caitlinholmes.com
- Instagram: @dirtbagnutritionist
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-holmes-88a13249/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@caitlinholmesnutrition
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