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Winter Solstice: Coming Out of the Dark

"Winter solstice is on December 21st this year. It is the shortest day of the year. Perfect time to let go of one thing that has been keeping you in the dark!”    

Kicking Social Anxiety to the Curb

Social anxiety is very common, in fact, approximately 5 to 16% of adults in the US have been diagnosed with a Social Anxiety Disorder in their lifetime.  Social Anxiety is a situation where you have excess fear in social interactions because you think you may be judged or scrutinized by others, you worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself, or offending someone. This video examines the symptoms and treatments for social anxiety disorder.

Staying Connected Enhances Social Wellness

Social wellness impacts the quality of one's life. This video addresses the human need for social wellness and the importance of staying connected with others. The benefits of social wellness are endless but some examples include greater focus on tasks, increased responsibility, and a more meaningful life.

Physical Fitness and Mental Wellness for the Win

Beck Pennington, former UK Men's Tennis Team player at the number one singles and doubles position and current Assistant Tennis Coach at the University of Miami, talks about the importance of eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising your body. Click below for the video.

Overwhelmed? Keep Your Boat Steady.

Overwhelmed? BH WELL's very own Bassema Abu-Farsakh relates to feeling overwhelmed as a wife, parent, graduate student, and student worker. This video shares practical tips to help keep our boats steady as we cope with day-to-day stress. 

Suicide Prevention

Today on the vlog we have with us Marc Woods, Assistant Chief Nurse Executive for Behavioral Health at UK Healthcare. Marc discusses suicide prevention and emphasizes the importance of understanding your ability to have an impact on the lives of those you love. He explains that simply asking friends and family about concerning changes in their behavior is a simple start to a conversation about suicide prevention. Asking someone if they are contemplating suicide can make a difference.

Simulation For The Win!

These days, many people think of video games when simulation comes up in conversation. Did you know that simulation is also an effective way for learners to grow in self-belief and knowledge?  Simulation is a great educational tool to practice what is learned in the classroom. Using simulation allows learners to practice in a real-life clinical setting with a “patient” that is safe for both the “patient” and the learner. Meet some of our “patients!”

Tips For Taking A Mental Health Play Day

As you may have heard, “Mental health isn’t about having days to escape life, it’s about living the kind of life where you don’t feel the need to escape.” What better way to live your best life than to allow yourself play days!

Mental Health & Our Environment: How the Architecture Around Us Affects Our Mental Health

Managing mental health problems should incorporate factors beyond medicinal approaches. Our environment plays a major role in either assisting or hindering positive mental health. As such, architects can use design and construction to build environments that convey a feeling of comfort and security. The importance of architectural design on mental health can be seen in the designs of modern mental health facilities, particularly within the psychiatric hospital system in North America. 

6 Ways Occupational Therapists Can Support People Living with Mental Illnesses

Occupational therapists work to help individuals improve everyday life skills so that they can better participate in home, school, work or wherever they may be. Many people know occupational therapists help children with disabilities or adults recovering from injury. BUT did you know that occupational therapists also help people living with mental illnesses? According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, there are six main evidence-based ways that occupational therapists can help individuals living with mental illnesses.

Suicide Task Force

Today on the vlog we have with us Marc Woods, Assistant Chief Nurse Executive for Behavioral Health at UK Healthcare. We are in the midst of a national health crisis in regards to suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults and 2nd cause of death among college students. This is in part due to the many stressors surrounding young people and the few tools they have to handle stress. It is so important to eliminate the stigma of discussing suicide. Stepping out to ask about concerning behavior could save lives.

Gardening as a Stress Reliever

Today on the vlog we have Mady Strong, a nurse and gardener. She discusses how gardening provides exercise, vitamin D from the sun (which helps to absorb calcium, and aids in mental health by relieving stress), and allows for mindful time alone, which is a source of self care for many. Gardening decreases cortisol levels and boosts serotonin and dopamine which relieves stress and boosts mood. Like caring for patients as a nurse, Mady enjoys nurturing her plants from seeds to full grown.

The Tobacco Quitline: Things You Should Know

1-800-QUIT-NOW is a toll-free number run by the National Cancer Institute. Calling this number will connect you directly to your state’s tobacco quitline where you can be further assisted. All states have quitlines with counselors and quit coaches who are trained specifically to help smokers quit.

Musical Expression

Silas Deane is the artist who created the theme music for BH WELL videos and other resources on our website. He is a musician and a producer. In this video, Silas discusses the key role that emotions play in music creation. Silas says he is not outwardly emotional but his emotions come through in his music. Music resonates with us on a deeper level than we even know how to communicate. In this video, he plays an impromptu tune that expresses his calm and excitement at the time of filming. He describes the dichotomy of chaos and order present in music that is mirrored in our minds.

5 R Questions to Help Patients Be Ready to Cut Tobacco

Ever tried motivating someone to cut tobacco use but not sure if they are ready?

Lung Cancer Screening

Today on the vlog, Dr. Lovoria Williams discusses lung cancer screening. The US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) created a lung cancer screening guideline after extensive research via a national study that observed the best screening test for lung cancer prediction. The study revealed that an annual low dose CT scan test is the best method for screening lung cancer. The lung cancer screening test is quite unknown so only 5% test whereas breast cancer and colon cancer are more familiar tests and have an 80% test rate.

A Quick Tool to Help Choose Nicotine Replacement Equivalencies

You’ve got a busy practice, full day, and need to cover cutting out tobacco. You’ve gone through the 5As and the 5Rs and NOW your patient wants to stop. We have an evidence-based Quick Tool to help you choose nicotine replacement equivalencies in a flash! Helps the patient. Saves you time.

5 Question Quiz to See if Patients Want to Cut Tobacco

Ever wonder if someone wants to cut out the tobacco? Take this quick quiz to see if you know how to ask!

Got Stress?

Do you feel like your mind is constantly racing? You can barely keep your eyes open during the day, but have trouble falling asleep at night? If so, you might be like the majority of our population today allowing stress to run your life. One thing we have trouble within today’s society is stopping. We are always on the go and worrying about the next deadline we have to meet. Always worrying about the next thing can cause your body a lot of stress and can affect your mental and physical health. Don’t get me wrong, a little bit of stress can be good for you.

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Okoli is a psychiatric nurse who works with patients with severe and persistent mental illness. He is also a part of the BH WELL faculty team. He is interested in finding programs to help the long-term health and wellbeing of patients with mental health illnesses. It is important to note that mental illness is a unique and complex challenge that no one chooses for themselves. Those with mental illnesses do not have access to as many resources such as funding or research. Dr.

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