Studies have found an association between overall diet quality and risk of #depression. A healthful diet has been associated with a reduced risk of depression. This correlation may be partly because about 95% of serotonin is produced in the GI tract.

Tips for Meaningful #NewYear2022 Resolutions: 1. Brainstorm your most important values 2. Choose 3-5 values you want to focus on in the coming year 3. Think of specific ways to put these values into action or reflect on how the goals you already have align with your values

Radical acceptance, a concept from dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), is the practice of fully accepting situations that are beyond our control. This reduces the suffering they cause us. Read more here: verywellmind.com/what-is-radica…

Regular physical activity has many benefits such as reducing #depression and anxiety risk and improving #sleep. One way to increase activity level is by making small changes to daily routines. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator or walk during phone calls.

Check out the recently published "Elements of Integrated Behavioral Health Associated with Primary Care Provider Confidence in Managing Depression at Community Health Centers"!! UChicago GIM link.springer.com/article/10.100…

Resilience is the ability to adapt to difficult situations and grow from negative experiences and setbacks. #resilience is not a fixed trait. It is a skill set that can be developed. Check out the attached resilience plan worksheet!

Taking prescribed medications is important for patients to improve their health. But about 50% of medications are not taken as prescribed. To help, providers can provide person-centered care, discuss pros/cons of treatments, and engage in shared decision-making with the patient.

Kindness can have positive biological and social effects on both the giver and the receiver. Being kind can increase serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine levels while decreasing levels of cortisol. Acts of kindness can also reduce loneliness. #KindnessMatters

Healthy boundaries are limits that people set for themselves that can build autonomy, conserve emotional energy, and maintain mental stability. Unhealthy boundaries include feeling responsible for others’ happiness, an inability to say no, or letting others direct your life.

Music therapy involves identifying your goals, participating in some #music therapy technique, and then tuning into your emotions as you perform the technique. Examples include playing an instrument or discussing lyrics. It can help manage stress and improve sleep and memory.

Anger is a natural emotion, but at chronically high levels, it can negatively impact health. Anger has been associated with greater symptom severity in patients with asthma and poorer glycemic control in patients with diabetes. It can also indicate broader mental health issues.

A new #insomnia screening and management tool is available on our PC-BHIP website! This tool offers treatment suggestions based on severity, which can be measured using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).

Studies have shown that maintenance antidepressants reduce the risk of #depression recurrence. For patients who do decide to discontinue antidepressant treatment, risk of recurrence is significantly lower when tapering is done with CBT. Read more here: nature.com/articles/s4138…

We have added two new external behavioral health referral partners: Midwest Asian Health Association (MAHA) and Pillars of Wellness! More information can be found on our PC-BHIP website: voices.uchicago.edu/behavioralheal…

The #holidayseason can contribute to positive well-being. But this time of year can also be difficult. 64% of people with mental illness report their condition worsens during the holidays. The graphic below includes tips for supporting mental well-being during the holidays:

Cognitive distortions are common in people with #depression and #anxiety. Examples include overgeneralization and catastrophizing. Combat these distortions by: 1. Noticing negative emotions 2. Paying attention to what you're thinking 3. Challenging/reframing distorted thoughts

With #spring weather on its way – we thought it’d be helpful to talk about physical activity! Here's how patients can use exercise to improve their mood: 1. Get outside: Spending time in nature positively affects mental health 2. Find enjoyable activities 3. Make it a habit

Long wait time between mental health referral and appointment is a barrier to care -- each additional week results in 5% decrease in attendance. Study by Joanne Wang, Erin Staab, Neda Laiteerapong, MD, MS et al in American Psychological Association Psychological Services doi.org/10.1037/ser000…

According to CDC, 1/3 of people in the U.S. have experienced physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. We have a screener, clinical decision support tool, and patient resources for IPV on our website: voices.uchicago.edu/behavioralheal…

A growth mindset is believing that you have the ability to grow, change, and develop. A meta-analysis found that growth mindsets are associated with less psychological distress, better coping skills, and more positive attitudes toward treatment.