Psych Matters Blog
February is Heart Health Awareness Month
Cardiovascular disease and mental illness are among the top contributors to death and disability in the United States. This makes monitoring a heart patient’s mental health just as important as treating their physical condition. Dr. Lane shares with us how a cardiovascular diagnosis can affect us, our loved ones, and how to cope with a diagnosis in a healthy way.
Psilocybin and OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder in which people have obsessive thoughts and fears that cause them to act compulsively. Due to its unique symptoms, the stigma associated with OCD can make it difficult for people to be open about their diagnosis and ask for help. However, recent research by Dr. Francisco Moreno, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona, and his team, is emphasizing a new way to manage the symptoms of OCD, with the use of psilocybin.
Mindfulness and the Holidays
The holiday season is upon us! During this time of year the joy, magic, and meaning of the season can also include stress and other feelings including sadness and anxiety. Dr. Mirsky, Mindfulness Clinic Director, at Banner-UMC Adult Psychiatry Clinic, shares with us how we can use mindfulness to turn towards these difficult emotions, understand they are ok and allow ourselves to feel what we are feeling.
Veterans Day 2019
Veteran mental health services are essential to help our returning vets recover from their deployments and mental health issues related to their service. According to the RAND Center for Military Health Policy Research, 20 percent of the vets who served in either Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from either major depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Since 1981, the month of October has been recognized by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to victim advocates across the country. Most of us don’t know what to say or have a lack of knowledge about domestic violence and sexual assault which plays a large part in why these issues persist in our society.