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The holidays fill the air with happiness and cheer, yet they can also carry stress and sadness for many people, especially those who deal with an underlying mental health condition. Here are some ways you can avoid or co...
The holiday season is officially upon us, bringing with it a variety of feelings, memories, and traditions associated with this time of year. This season can offer an abundance of cheer, create positive memories, and bri...
The holiday season can be exciting, stressful, happy, and sad—all at the same time. Amid all those emotions, it can be difficult to remember to take a breath and appreciate what you have. Why is that important? Rese...
Suicide is a tragic event—and it often has a ripple effect on friends, families, neighbors, co-workers, and others who knew the person who died. Every year, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, we honor those we’ve ...
Leaving the battlefield isn’t always easy for members of the military. Even when they return home, some face an ongoing fight. We honor our veterans every year on November 11. This year, take some time to learn more ab...
To address the mental health crisis throughout the U.S. and encourage people to take steps to support their mental health, the Ad Council announced plans for a wide-reaching and comprehensive communications effort. With ...
As the days get shorter and darker and the snow starts to fall, people begin to feel less energy, are less likely to be productive, and begin to feel hopeless. These are common symptoms of SAD, a type of depression set a...
Mental health professionals have warned that enduring extraordinary stress and unprecedented circumstances for multiple years has long-lasting effects. In today’s world, there’s no shortage of either. Here's how you ...
On Wednesday, November, 2022, Helen S. Mayberg, MD, neurologist and professor of neurology, neurosurgery and neuroscience, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Next Generation Strategies to Refine and Optimize ...
Once a year, for 31 days, spooky becomes a societal norm. We willingly seek out fear each Halloween. It is, however, important to know the differences between a seasonal thrill and actual panic or long-lasting phobias.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month and, in order to prevent bullying, we all need to know the signs of bullying, how to safely stop it, and what resources are available to help.
Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders are the most common complication of pregnancy and impact 1 in 4 women. Whether it's Baby #1 or Baby #3, feeling overwhelmed is common and a normal adjustment to having a new baby. Bu...
Meet Maggie Blau, LCSW, is a youth inpatient social worker at Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI). We asked Maggie a few questions about her work at HMHI and what she enjoys doing when she's not working.
On Wednesday, October 19, 2022, Gari D. Clifford, DPhil, MSc, SMIEEE, researcher and professor of biomedical informatics and biomedical engineering, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Behavior and Cognitive S...
World Mental Health Day kicked off a two-day Design Summit where more than 175 mental health experts and leaders gathered to launch a national movement to end the stigma around mental health and substance use disorders.
On Wednesday, October 12, 2022, Erika Forbes, PhD, a clinical psychologist, neuroscientist, and professor at the University of Pittsburgh, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Bringing Back the Fun: Understandi...
Giving birth is a powerful, life-changing experience, and it can produce many different emotions in a parent—often all at once. You might feel happiness, excitement, nervousness, and, at times, depression and anxiety. ...
Meet Sheryl Salmon, RN, a Nurse Manager at Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI). We asked Sheryl a few questions about her work at HMHI and what she enjoys doing when she's not working.
“In a number of studies, rumination has been shown to predict recurrence of depression,” says Scott Langenecker, PhD, principal investigator, Mechanisms of Rumination Change in Adolescent Depression (RuMeChange).
On Wednesday, September 21, 2022, Ellen Kahn, MSS, a Senior Director oat the Human Rights Campaign, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled ""Supporting and Caring for Transgender and Non-Binary Youth: Best Practic...
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and a time to raise awareness about how we can all play a part in helping to prevent suicide.
On Wednesday, September 7, 2022, Kathleen Brady, MD, PhD, a Distinguished University Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "The Relationship Between Stress...
Young adults who use social media are three times as likely to suffer from depression. Understand social media's negative impact on youth mental health and the importance of healthy social media habits.
Because suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10-24, it’s important parents talk to kids about suicide and mental health from an early age.
Meet Hilary Coon, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry as well as the H.A. and Edna Benning Presidential Endowed Chair at Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI). We asked Hilary a few questions about her work at HMHI and what s...
University of Utah President Taylor Randall visited Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) to tour the hospital and clinics and learn more about the innovative research, training, and clinical programs at HMHI.
Be Kind to Humankind Week is a global celebration that takes place the last week of August each year. The week is intended to promote kindness, happiness, and harmony between all walks of life. But did you know that bein...
Everyone feels a bit anxious every now and then. Presenting at work, performing well in school, big life changes, can all make us nervous or excited. But why do humans even have anxiety? How can we best manage it? And wh...
This month, the Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Clinic at Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) will see its first patients for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been...
Meet Marina Alexandrescu, ACMHC, art therapist and associate clinical mental health counselor at Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI). Marina runs art therapy groups, working with patients aged six to older adults.
Going to college for the first time or coming back from summer break for another semester is one of the most significant transitions of a young person’s life and can take a toll on their mental health. The good news is...
If your teen has run away from home, the first priority is finding them and ensuring they’re safe. But what should you do after they safely return home? Amanda McNab, MSW, LCSW, suggests the steps parents should take t...
If your child is struggling with obesity and any associated mental health issues, you can empower them to reach and maintain a healthy weight while boosting their self-confidence.
The Kem & Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center is partnering with The Road Home to provide mental health services for guests staying at the Men’s Resource Center (MRC), a 300-bed emergency shelter in South ...
Sometimes a mental health crisis is serious enough that it requires immediate professional intervention. This can protect the person in crisis and the people around them. Natalie McClintock, L.C.S.W., Sometimes a mental ...
Meet Emily DiBlasi, PhD, Research Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry. Her research focuses on the discovery of risk factors in suicide death.
The culture of every organization starts with leadership. We can always do more to improve as leaders and take better care of our team members. At a recent Health Sciences Leadership Forum, special guest Thomas Schwenk, ...
HMHI is hosting the first annual University-wide Mental Health, Brain and Behavioral Science Research Day. Research Day is an opportunity for faculty, students, and staff to learn about and share research from across th...
HMHI recognizes Department of Psychiatry faculty who have been promoted in rank in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. Promotions are awarded when an individual has achieved excellence in the School of Medicine’...
Meet Martin Freimer, MD, Assistant Professor (Clinical) in the Department of Psychiatry and a psychiatrist and geriatrician at Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI).
We’ve all felt sad or “off” at one time or another, but when that feeling lasts for a long time or starts to interfere with your life, it could be depression. Mental health specialist Scott Langenecker, PhD, talks ...
Meet Anne V. Kirby, PhD, occupational therapist and suicide risk and prevention researcher.
Collin Merrill, PhD, and Vincent Kopplemans, PhD, recently received K awards for their innovative research on Alzheimer’s disease and alcohol use disorder, respectively.
Humans are the only species that cry emotional tears, and we don't make them until around two months old—around the same time the "social smile" appears. As humans age, we often keep the emotional tears but leave the c...
Mental health challenges do not discriminate—anyone can be affected, just like a physical illness. But because of the type of work frontline responders do, extra support may be needed. That’s why SafeUT Frontline was...
Meet Joe Walker, MPA, TRS, CTRS, recreational therapist and Challenge Course Coordinator for the ROPES Course at Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI).
Cuando reflexiona sobre su día, ¿qué es lo que más destaca? Lo más probable es que sea algo negativo porque nuestros cebreros están programados a aferarnos a lo malo más que a lo bueno. Aquí hay un método para m...
When you reflect on your day, what stands out the most? Chances are, it’s something negative—because our brains are wired to latch onto the bad more than the good. Here is a method to boost your mental health by brin...
Las escenas de violencia y las amenazas han sido cada vez más frecuentes en los campus escolares de todo el país. Aquí se puede informar de cómo puede hablar con sus hijos tras una amenaza en la escuela.
Nearly 20 percent of the adult U.S. population lives with a mental health condition, and LGBTQIA+ individuals are nearly three times more likely to be part of that group. It is important to recognize the facts about ment...
As men, it can sometimes be difficult to know what to do with your own emotions, let alone the feelings of others. While we might not have learned 'emotional availability' growing up, that doesn't mean we can't learn now...
Sensory disorders in children have recently been added as an official psychiatric diagnosis and are estimated to impact as many as 15% of kids in the US. These conditions are marked by a significant sensitivity to sounds...
Awareness of your inner child can bring more fulfilled, lighter, carefree years during adulthood. Inner Child Work is healing childhood experiences and recognizing how those experiences come out in the way we behave and ...
Scenes of violence and threats have been increasingly playing out on school campuses across the country.. Here’s how you can talk to your children about school threats.
We are in the midst of a mental health crisis, and the way we talk about it may be hurting more than helping. Stigma perpetuates a vicious cycle that, for years, has continually prevented people from finding help when th...
Working on your mental health can be a long and difficult journey, so choosing the right professional that you feel comfortable with is important. Producer Mitch had to try out three specialists before he found someone h...
On Wednesday, May 18, 2022, Jeremy Kendrick, MD, an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Provider Informaticist, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Come On In, the Water’s Fine: Making the Case for Measur...
Anxiety is defined as an anticipation of a future threat. The physical and emotional signs of anxiety are uncomfortable, and it's a natural human response to avoid uncomfortable things. But most of us have been anxious a...
Los adolescentes suelen tener fuertes reacciones emocionales acompañadas de sentimientos de frustración, agobio, mal humor, cansancio y enfado. Como padre, ¿cómo puede saber si los factores de estrés físico y psico...
Teenagers often have strong emotional reactions accompanied by feelings of being frustrated, overwhelmed, moody, tired, and angry. As a parent, how can you tell if physical and psychological stressors have led your teen ...
On Wednesday, May 4, 2022, Ipsit V. Vahia, MD, a geriatric psychiatrist, clinician, and researcher, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Digital Mental Health and Aging: Opportunities and Pitfalls."
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a time for us to prioritize our physical and psychological well-being. Together we can address the stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders, and learn how ...
On Wednesday, April 20, 2022, Tiffany Love, PhD, a neuroscientist and Senior Program Manager at HealthRhythms, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Supporting Personalized Medicine in Psychiatry Through Mobile ...
Meet Amanda Bakian, PhD, a research associate professor and human ecologist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI), who studies contributors to the risk of psychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and ...
No es raro que los adolescentes se sientan tristes, ansiosos, confundidos o angustiados. Cuando las emociones negativas se vuelven abrumadoras, los jóvenes de 12 a 14 años pueden empezar a autolesionarse como forma de ...
La adicción es una enfermedad que afecta al cerebro y al comportamiento de una persona, lo que le lleva a ser incapaz de controlar su consumo de una droga legal o ilegal, o de un medicamento, incluido el alcohol. La adi...
On March 29, Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) was designated an “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 15th-anniversary edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (...
Every April, the world comes together to celebrate World Autism Awareness Month. Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) is dedicated to raising awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the variety of challenge...
Our vision at Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) is to free the world from the stigma associated with mental health. We can only achieve our mission with the help and support of our community, state, and many local ...
It’s not unusual for adolescents to feel sad, anxious, confused, or distressed. When negative emotions become overwhelming, youth may start using self-injury as a way to cope with stress in their lives.
On Wednesday, April 6, 2022, Kerry J. Ressler, MD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at McLean Hospital and Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "The Neurobiology a...
Meet Erica Yaeger, a challenge course facilitator and recreation therapist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI). Follow along as she walks us through a typical day, discusses what inspired her to pursue her career,...
Dubbed the first “social media war,” the war in Ukraine is being consumed in real-time through a screen at a rate never seen before. These images, videos, and audio clips can be triggering for everyone and have an im...
HMHI announces the 2022 match results for all Department of Psychiatry residency and fellowship programs. The new residents and fellows begin training on July 1, 2022.
The Neurobehavior HOME Program is a partnership between the Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics and the state of Utah. This unique "medical home" model of care provides personalized treatment for people with autism,...
Doctors aren’t quite sure what causes sundowner’s syndrome, but they do know people with Alzheimer’s disease are prone to develop it, especially in the mid to late-stages of the disease. Sundowner’s refers to a p...
Are you worried about a friend or family member you suspect may be addicted to drugs? Addiction is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control their use of a legal or illega...
Substance use in children can start as early as middle school. While experimentation is common in teens, it's important as a parent to know how to have conversations that can prevent abuse and protect your kids' developm...
On Wednesday, March 16, 2022, A. John Rush, MD, FACP, MPP, Professor Emeritus of the Duke-NUS Medical School at the National University of Singapore, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Difficult-to-Treat Depr...
When it comes to mental health, there can be a lot of social pressure on men to push down their feelings and not talk about it. Yet, taking care of one's thoughts and emotions is crucial to not only thriving in life, but...
On Wednesday, March 2, 2022, Evan Goldstein, PhD, MPP, Assistant Professor in the University of Utah Department of Population Health Sciences, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Firearms and Suicide: Interven...
Learn the two hallmark signs of bipolar disorder in teens along with other symptoms to look for early on.
Mantenerse sano significa algo más que ir al médico cuando se está enfermo. También significa hacerse cargo de su salud comiendo bien, haciendo ejercicio con regularidad y manteniendo una sólida relación con su mé...
Stay active and boost mental health with winter activities for adults with disabilities. Find adaptive sports and outdoor recreation in your community.
Even under the best of circumstances, giving birth can be physically and emotionally challenging. But for some women, the experience can be so traumatic that it affects their mental health and ability to care for themsel...
On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, Benjamin Druss, MD, MPH, Professor in mental health at the Rollins School of Public Health, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Improving Physical Health in Populations with Ser...
Dealing with an angry teenager? Find out why teens get mad, what’s normal, and how some expert tips can help your child feel better.
Mask mandates have returned, businesses are closing, and schools are in the process of moving back online. The result? Many of us are sad and demoralized as we learn how to navigate the highly contagious Omicron variant.
As the temperatures drop and days become shorter, our physical and mental health can sometimes take a toll. The good news is there are different ways to be active during the winter which is important for not only our phy...
HMHI announces the 2022 match results for the Department of Psychiatry's Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship. The new fellows begin training on July 1, 2022.
On Wednesday, January 19, 2022, Andrew A. Nierenberg, MD, Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Radically Rethinking Research to Improve Outcomes: A Bipolar Lea...
We all faced challenges in 2020 that were significant and widespread, and 2021 brought its own unique challenges to center stage. Virtually everyone’s mental health has been affected in some way throughout these last c...
At any given time, eating disorders affect millions of people of every age, race, size, gender identity, sexual orientation, and background. Kristin Francis, MD, a psychiatrist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, len...
On Wednesday, January 5, 2022, C. Neill Epperson, MD, Professor of Psychiatry at University of Colorado School of Medicine, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Enduring Impact of Childhood Adversity: Observati...
The holidays can be stressful and bring down anyone’s mood temporarily. But how do you know when you’ve got Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and not just the Winter Blues? If your interest level drops, you prefer to...
Kevin Curtis, Crisis Services Director at University of Utah Health Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) discusses what a mental breakdown is and what steps you can take to get help.
Huntsman Mental Health Institute, together with organizations and individuals from across the nation, launches a "Grand Challenge” to eliminate mental health stigma forever. Please join us in this fight. Together, we c...
On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, Lauren Asarnow, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UC San Francisco, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Evening Circadian Preference and Depression Among Adolescents."
HMHI Assistant Professor Patricia Aguayo, MD, MPH, will be an expert panelist for a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) workshop in December 2021.
The holiday season may be “the most wonderful time of the year," but it’s the most dreaded for some. The holidays fill the air with happiness and cheer, yet they can also carry stress and sadness for many people, esp...
On Wednesday, December 1, 2021, Anita Everett, MD, DFAPA, Director of the Center for Mental Health Services, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Federal Innovations in Advancing Behavioral Health Care."
A recent joint statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children's Hospital Association drove home the severity and scale of what we are now faci...
Is it true that you can become healthier and happier by practicing gratitude? Gratitude is associated with happiness. Expressing feelings of appreciation to others and ourselves creates positive emotions and feelings of ...
On Wednesday, November 17, 2021, Joan Asarnow, PhD, ABPP, Professor of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, will present a Psychiatry Grand Rounds titled "Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention in Youth: Clinical Pathways & Tr...
The workplace is a crucial area to address mental health and suicide prevention. Nearly 68 percent of the American population participates in the workforce, and one in five Americans adults suffer from a diagnosable ment...
After months of gathering feedback from staff, patients, faculty, trainees, partners, and stakeholders, Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) unveils their new mission, vision, and values.
Substance use disorders can affect many aspects of a person’s life. Liz Wetmore, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at at Huntsman Mental Health Institute’s Addiction Recovery Services discusses the role substance abu...
HMHI is pleased to announce and welcome two new faculty to Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) and the Department of Psychiatry - a child and adolescent clinical psychiatrist and a child, adolescent, and adult clinic...
Meet Julian Thorne, MD, a chief resident in the Department of Psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute. He shares what his day-to-day routine is, what inspired him to become a psychiatrist, and what the most intere...
Why is it so hard to talk about suicide? Starting the conversation with someone having suicidal thoughts is never easy, but it is important and could be lifesaving.
Jeremy Kendrick, MD, is a Triple Board trained psychiatrist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute. Born in Idaho, Kendrick moved to Utah in his undergraduate years, briefly left and then was drawn back. We are very excited...
Los expertos en salud de University of Utah Health opinan al respecto de cómo abordar la desinformación sobre las barreras mentales y físicas que puede suponer el uso de una mascarilla en la escuela.
Addressing the misinformation about the mental and physical barriers that wearing a mask in school may bring - University of Utah Health experts weigh in.
Summer may be coming to an end, but the social activities are not going anywhere. As seasons change, one constant remains: spending time with your friends and family. Whether that means spending the day on a boat, hiking...
Nina de Lacy, MD, MBA, Assistant Professor, conducts research at the interface of computational science, artificial intelligence and population mental health.
La vuelta al cole es un momento emocionante. Pero a muchos niños les puede causar estrés y ansiedad: incluso niños que suelen ser fáciles de llevar pueden experimentar nervios, y los que tienen algo de ansiedad puede...
HMHI is pleased to announce and welcome six new providers to Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI). These board-certified psychiatrists are prepared to deliver exceptional, patient-focused mental health care, and contr...
Back-to-school is an exciting time. But for many kids, it can cause stress and anxiety—even children who are usually easy going may experience butterflies and those with some anxiety may get more nervous and clingier t...
More and more research is emerging with evidence of the negative effects violent video games have on children. The most popular video games are also some of the most violent, and pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner speaks abo...
A total of 25 new Psychiatry residents and fellows have been welcomed to HMHI, representing five different academic training programs within the Department of Psychiatry. They will receive rigorous training from our reno...
When Simone Biles withdrew from the Olympics this week and chose her mental health over a potential Olympic medal, it showed that mental health issues affect everyone—no matter how successful you are. Even though most ...
Dénia-Marie (Dema) Ollerton is the Clinical Supervisor for the state of Utah’s SafeUT Crisis Chat and Tip Line for youth at Huntsman Mental Health Institute.
The Olympic and Paralympic Games are recognized as the pinnacle of success for an athlete. Every two years, the world tunes in to watch 11,000+ athletes representing 206 nations compete in 33 different sports. As the Tok...
Three U of U Health studies find new genetic links to suicidal behavior.
Everyone has a sexual orientation and gender identity, but people who identify as part of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community are at higher mental health ri...
HMHI is very proud to recognize our incredible faculty for their innovative psychiatric pursuits. Tenure recognizes a scholar's high impact and scientific contributions in their field. Promotions are awarded when a facul...
So, how do you define burnout? What are the signs to look for? How do you cope? Tina Halliday, LCSW, Behavioral Sciences Manager at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, discusses burnout and offers some helpful tips and way...
University of Utah Health scientists and collaborators with the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Consortium have developed a rich resource for studying how the brain changes and matures during adolescence. T...
While mental health access through insurance coverage has improved, efficient screening and placement is key to getting patients into mental health care. By taking deliberate steps to integrate depression screening into ...
France is an experienced and passionate physician assistant with a diverse background and over 13 years of experience. He was hired by the U of U Department of Psychiatry in 2019 as a core advanced practice provider in o...
Addiction specialist psychiatrist Beth Howell addresses the stigma and silence of substance abuse in health professions. If you or someone you know is struggling, there’s a global community of anonymized support.
In an interview with the Salt Lake Chamber, Mark Rapaport, CEO of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, discusses the organization, mental health awareness in the community, how companies can have an impact on their emp...
Many people, including health care professionals, are turning to alcohol and other substances to help cope with the stresses of Covid-19. Licensed psychologist Kelly Lundberg shares how to talk to colleagues who may be s...
Mindfulness can be an act of healing and resistance for Black, Indigenous, People of Color who confront microaggressions as part of everyday life. Mindfulness educators and social workers Trinh Mai and Jean Whitlock prov...
While Americans are less likely to express gratitude at work than anywhere else, it’s sorely needed – especially in health care. Associate professor/lecturer of social work Trinh Mai explains the importance of gratit...
Mindfulness instructors Trinh Mai and Rob Davies guide us through S.T.O.P., a simple mindfulness practice to help mitigate our stress response.
Racism isn’t something that happens “somewhere else.” Mindfulness educators and social workers Trinh Mai and Jean Whitlock facilitated an interracial dialogue on talking about race and racism to learn from local li...
Mindfulness is awareness of the present moment—open to where we are and what we’re doing with a sense of acceptance.
The prevalence of stigma and discrimination toward people with mental illness makes it difficult to have a transparent conversation about how we feel. But an open dialogue about mental health can help everyone heal.
Trouble focusing? Could it be adult ADHD? Psychiatrist Rachel Weir tells us how she makes the diagnosis and other factors that might lead to focus and concentration issues.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—time to focus on prioritizing mental health and acknowledging that it's "OK not to be OK." It is also time to stop the sigma and spread awareness about what we can do to end discrim...
Concerned that your child or teen may be struggling with their mental well-being? It may be important to check-in with your own mental health first. On today's Health Minute, Andrew Smith, PhD explains what can happen i...
Liz is a passionate social worker and a member of HMHI's team of addiction specialists. She is a Psychiatric Program Specialist with the Recovery Works Intensive Outpatient Program for addiction treatment, where she has ...
Minimalism could improve your mental health. Psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Chan tells us more. Plus, the guys agree to take the 30-day declutter challenge and see how it impacts their emotional well-being.
Coworkers are often the first to recognize when a peer is struggling under extreme stress. Psychiatrist Kristin Francis and psychologist Rob Davies share how to break through the discomfort and talk to your struggling co...
Since 2009, March 31st has marked the occasion of International Transgender Day of Visibility, an annual event for celebrating people who are transgender and raising awareness of the challenges faced by the transgender c...
Dr. Anna R. Docherty is a quantitative geneticist and a clinician examining risk and resilience in the context of severe outcomes, including psychosis and suicide. Her valuable work provides essential contributions to ou...
As mental health professionals have been warning us, enduring extraordinary stress and unprecedented circumstances for an entire year has long-lasting effects. We are seeing the beginnings of the crisis-after-the-crisis....
In this episode from the U Rising podcast, Dr. Mark Rapaport talks about how HMHI is working to create new models of care, better service and also to advance research and knowledge that ultimately changes lives.
If you suspect that your teenager may be suffering from depression, could talking to them about it make them feel worse? According to Dr. Thomas Conover, as a parent of a teen, communication is key and you should be able...
As a parent, if you suspect your child may be engaging in self-harming behaviors, you may not be sure what to do to help. Psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Conover explains how to identify signs of self-harm, provides strategies f...
One of the biggest challenges we will face in 2021 and beyond from the COVID-19 pandemic is a growing mental health crisis. Although many factors contribute to the increased stress and anxiety we all feel, the pandemic h...
As a parent, Identifying signs of clinical depression in your teenager can be quite difficult. Dr. Thomas Conover looks for negative changes in these key areas: school performance, participation in extracurriculars, soci...
Taking on the COVID-19 pandemic has become a battle with two fronts. While we are rightly focused on vaccines, masking, and social distancing, many of us are not paying enough attention to the mental health crisis that i...
Kristin Francis, MD, is one of the inspired and talented doctors who make up the amazing team at the University of Utah Huntsman Mental Health Institute. She is an inpatient psychiatrist board-certified in both adult psy...
Suicide can be a difficult topic to discuss with a teenager, but it is too important to ignore—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teen depression, self-harm, and suicide have seen a rise as teenagers are cut off ...
Although online therapy has seen a significant spike in usage over the past nine months, some are still uncomfortable with the idea. Here are some pros and cons to think through if you or a loved one is considering e-the...
We'd all like to have a good, stable state of mind. But the criteria for "good" mental health isn't always black or white. Mental health affects all of us—regardless of gender or age—but is mental health part of the ...
Most teenagers experience changes in their mood and emotions during puberty, whether it be trying to isolate themselves in their room, not wanting to do things with the family, or general irritability. These can also be ...
We all faced challenges in 2020 that were significant and widespread, and virtually everyone’s mental health has been affected in some way. With good news on the way in the form of the vaccine, we can hopefully find he...
Older adults are at greater risk of hospitalization or dying if diagnosed with COVID-19. As Utah continues to see high transmission rates during the holidays, it’s more important now than ever to protect those who are ...
How to tell if COVID-19 is getting you down. Psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Chan talks about the power of a daily gratitude practice. Troy explains how to use soda to remove food stuck in your throat. Scot discloses his uncan...
Like most things, alcohol is best consumed in moderation. But there is a fine line between a couple of drinks to blow off steam and a potential alcohol abuse problem. How can you tell if your alcohol consumption is a pro...
Nearly half of Americans are lonely. According to Merriam-Webster's definition, loneliness is "being without company, cut off from others; sadness from being alone." Loneliness is common and can lead to both poor social ...
We are living through a period of increased emotional strain and mental health disruptions. Providers note an increase in reports of stress, anxiety, fear, and suicidal thoughts even among people with no prior psychiatri...
Feelings of anxiety and isolation can be prevalent in individuals over the age of 65. For this older group, shelter-in-place orders during the COVID-19 pandemic can make the feelings of being disconnected and anxious eve...
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 3.2 million kids aged 12 to 17 have had a depressive episode in the last year. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner explains what depression looks like in children and how ...
1 in 5 adults in the US is dealing with a mental illness, including depression. For most people, a short round of medication can help get life back on track. Dr. Kyle Bradford Jones shares his mental health journey and h...
A common thought is 'a few drinks during times of stress can help a person relax and sleep.' However, drinking too much alcohol can have the opposite effect, as well as other mental health repercussions. Psychiatry Dr. A...
Sales of alcoholic beverages in the United States have increased 55% compared to this time last year. Our lives are stressful and alcohol consumption can be a common way to self-medicate those stresses. Women, especially...
Your mental well-being comes to the forefront during a global health crisis. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed, it can help to talk to someone about the emotions you're feeling. Psychiatrist Dr. Benjami...
Whether you’re working from home, taking a virtual class, or practicing physical distancing for you and your loved ones’ safety, we’re all experiencing a new normal together. This transition may be easy for some, b...
Feelings of anxiety, being overwhelmed and ambiguity of the future can be common during a crisis, and it's human nature to avoid those emotions. But psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Chan says it's better to embrace the negative...
Uncertainties can cause stress on both the mind and body, but not thinking about the uncertainties can be a difficult thing to do. Psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Chan talks about three ways to cope with stress.
Tactical breathing. BLAST. The Power Grip. These aren’t your usual mental health tools. Kevin Curtis is back and he’s brought his friend Ben to share three simple, proven techniques you can use to help improve your m...
It's a stressful time for many of us, even children. With most children having been sent home from school, stress and anxiety can run high. Child psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Chan talks about what parents can do to help the...
Just like the virus itself, emotional stress seems to be spreading alongside the coronavirus outbreak. You may feel fatigued, have difficulty sleeping, or experience a loss of appetite. This is a completely normal human ...
In support of the premiere of "Dick Johnson Is Dead" at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, University of Utah Health hosted a community screening with director Kirsten Johnson to discuss Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, ag...
Learn the signs so you can recognize when someone is in trouble.
Many couples around the world struggle with the heartbreak of infertility.
A new report form the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force finds that almost 15% of women suffer from some sort of depression or anxiety either during or after pregnancy.
Pregnant women with opioid use disorders often face a number of challenges during their pregnancies.
While difficult to navigate at the best of times, these disorders are an even heavier burden during the holiday season, a time that should be enjoyed, not endured.
Almost every teen now has an account on at least one social media platform. They use it to reach out to friends, to share experiences, and to tell the world about themselves. However, they also may be making themselves v...
The benefits of meditation are realized by those who choose to practice it regularly. Find some simple tips to begin meditation practice.
Their stories and their courage to talk frankly about their conditions build healthy awareness of current treatments and the importance of loving support.
The death of someone close during childhood can haunt a child throughout their lives. However, it doesn’t have to if children are allowed to go through the grieving process in their own time and in their own way.
A new baby brings big changes, but if you are feeling emotionally not-quite-right, know when to get help.
For patients with the crippling diagnosis of severe depression, bipolar disorder, or psychosis, ECT can be a life-changing procedure.
True or false: The same doctor can treat your depression, remove a suspicious mole, and help plan the timing of your next baby.
How do you know if it's just a series of bad days or something more serious?
Not only does compassion decrease suffering by helping those in need, but also it can boost your bond with others. Plus, you may find that the pursuit of compassion makes you happier than the pursuit of happiness. ~ Amit...
How much do you worry about money?
While most of us will never be world class athletes, there is still a lot we can learn from Olympians.
With children or without, Father's Day can be an emotional holiday if dad has passed away.
A lot of things can make you jump: loud noises, people coming up behind you, thunder, the list goes on. Why do these things startle you but not others? Women's health expert Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones says it's something yo...