Tobacco use, cessation and related disparities among people living with substance use disorders and people living with mental illnessThere are an estimated 52.9 million adults (21.0% of the adult population) suffering Document Category
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The Big Tobacco BoulderThe Big Tobacco Boulder
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This is Dave. Dave has been smoking for the last 25 years and has also been struggling with depression and anxiety. He wants to improve his health but feels like he is tied down by his addiction to tobacco. Video created by Michele Gulley. Read TranscriptFor people living with mental health challenges, such as Dave, it can feel like a cloud is looming over their heads. Some days are overcast; some days are full of storms; other days, there just might be a little sun peeking out from behind the clouds. Being tied to the tobacco boulder makes the days feel cloudier and darker. Dave’s anxiety and depression medications help him cope and clear the clouds, however, his smoking is holding him back. The TOBACCO boulder weighs him down. Having to pull the tobacco boulder makes Dave short of breath and induces coughing fits. To make matters worse, Dave is having trouble finding somewhere to live because most rental homes and apartments don’t allow TOBACCO boulders in their spaces. His lack of housing increases his stress which means more clouds in the sky! And don’t forget, it takes a lot of money to buy tobacco products to keep the TOBACCO boulder happy, so Dave doesn’t have much money left over for rent. In addition, Dave has addictive behavior which makes him more susceptible to using multiple addictive substances at the same time. Dave becomes further weighed down by tying himself to other boulders, such as alcohol and drugs. They become an added burden. For people with mental health challenges, such as Dave, the burden of multiple addictions can make it even harder to ‘clear the skies’. But Dave has had enough! He is tired of being weighed down. He wants to be free from the boulders AND he wants clearer skies in his day-to-day life. This is why he seeks out a healthcare provider who can prescribe nicotine replacement therapy and provide substance use treatment to get rid of those pesky boulders weighing him down. Smoking puts an enormous strain on your body. By stopping smoking, Dave has decreased his risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer. Without addictions weighing him down, his heart and body don’t have to work as hard, so he can focus on receiving mental and behavioral support. With that support, the clouds can begin to clear and Dave can focus on taking care of his mental health and living his best life. Dimensions of Wellbeing
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The Relationship Between Trauma and Substance Use Among Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional AnalysisTrauma exposure is prevalent in the general population, but healthcare workers may be at greater risks for additional work-related trauma. Trauma is a known risk factor for substance use, particularly tobacco and risky alcohol use. Few studies have examined the relationship between trauma and substance use in healthcare workers. Among healthcare workers, the aims of our study were to examine (a) frequency of current tobacco use and risky alcohol use, (b) frequency and types of traumatic experiences, and (c) the associations between trauma experiences and current tobacco and risky alcohol use controlling for demographic factors. This study is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from healthcare workers (N = 850) in an academic medical center. External Link
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A Jack In The Box- Living With PTSDA Jack In The Box- Living With PTSD
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I’m a jack-in-the-box, safe and secure in the confines of my box. Sadly, this safety and security are short-lived. Outside the box, the crank is constantly turning, turning, and without warning, I’m thrust into an intense rollercoaster of fear, guilt, and anger. Read TranscriptI’m a jack-in-the-box, safe and secure in the confines of my box. Sadly, this safety and security are short-lived. Outside the box, the crank is constantly turning, turning, and without warning, I’m thrust into an intense rollercoaster of fear, guilt, and anger. I’m triggered by a sight, a smell, a taste, or a noise I’m thrust into my past trauma, reliving each physical sensation and emotional experience either through flashbacks while awake or through nightmares while asleep. I’m engulfed by my flashbacks and nightmares, struggling to snap out.
As I realize there is no immediate threat, I begin to calm down. My body loses all energy and collapses, mentally exhausted. At the first opportunity, I flee back into my box, willing myself to brave the moments ahead. Despite feeling composed back in the box, I’m left feeling on edge and on guard. When will I be propelled out of my box again? What will the trigger be that time? Where will I be and who will be around me? Not knowing when I will burst out of the box not only alarms me, but also alarms those who exist outside of the box: my loved ones, my coworkers, or even strangers on the street or in the store.
The triggers, flashbacks, and nightmares happen again and again over months and months. Over time, I try to take myself away from anything and everything that reminds me of distressing memories. Sometimes I am numb to my feelings. No matter what I do to avoid my triggers, I’m reminded of my experiences again and again.
That’s why I decided to get help! My mental healthcare provider helped me through a plan that involved some medications and therapy to help with my problem. I learned to recognize my triggers and gained some skills to take care of the challenges with my feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Then one day, I popped out of my box and realized ‘it is just a box’. I realized my bad memories can exist alongside new and happier memories that I am making now. Then I decided that while the box remains, and while the bad memories are still there, I can choose to face my trauma while being supported by my mental healthcare provider. The more I learn about facing my trauma, the more I’m reminded that I don’t have to pop out of anything. I can just be.
If you or someone you know is experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there is hope. Contact your health provider or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
ReferencesAdministration for Community Living. (n.d.). MHDD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities National Training Center. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from https://rise.articulate.com/share/_krWkjSaEunOmpN8wSRR6k2Zl9WK Hwzz#/ Cleveland Clinic. (2021, June 15). Living With PTSD? How to Manage Anxiety and Flashbacks. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-with-ptsd-how-to-manage-anxiety-and-flashbacks/ Torres, F. (2020, August). What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? American Psychiatric Association. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2019, May). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd Dimensions of Wellbeing
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Diversity as a Solution to Health Inequities and DisparitiesIn December 2021, my wife and I took a brief week-long Document Category
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Effect of buttonhole cannulation versus rope-ladder cannulation in hemodialysis patients with vascular access: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized/clinical controlled trialsBackground Safe and effective arteriovenous fistula (AVF) puncture techniques must External Link
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An examination of the practice of tailoring smoking cessation pharmacotherapy in a tobacco treatment program within mental health and addictions settingsThumbnail Image
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Wisdom from the Well: Eating DisordersWisdom from the Well: Eating Disorders
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Lovoria Williams, Ph.D., FNP-BC, FAANP, is an Associate Professor in the UK College of Nursing. She is also a part of the BH WELL faculty team. In this brief video, she shares about eating disorders. |
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Feed Your MindFeed Your Mind
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Welcome back to Mental Health Research Jeopardy. Today’s theme is mental health and diet.
Game show host: Welcome back to Mental Health Research Jeopardy. Today’s theme is mental health and diet. Let’s jump right in. Read TranscriptOne study showed that WHO? may need a larger range of nutrients to support mental health and positive mood compared to their counterpart.Mom: What is women? Game show host: Yes, what women eat seems to be crucial to their mental well-being, according to a study. But the same association was not found in men. However, diet is important for both men and women. Next question. Another study showed that men who consumed over 67 grams of sugar daily from sugary foods and drinks were 23% more likely to develop anxiety, depression, and other common mental disorders after HOW MANY? years.Dad: What is never, of course! Game show host: AAAAAND, sorry! It is actually 5 years. The same study showed that anxiety, depression and the other mental health disorders were not causing the high sugar intake! Moving on, different foods are needed for optimal mental health at different ages as well! Those of age 30 and older benefitted more from eating fruit and breakfast, as well as skipping WHAT?Those of age 30 and older benefitted more from eating fruit and breakfast, as well as skipping WHAT? and foods high in sugar. Mom: Though it pains me to say it… What is coffee? Game show host: Correct. And also correct. Laughter from the audience. Game show host: Mental distress in adults (age 30 and older) was related to caffeinated coffee consumption and inversely associated with low fruit consumption and skipping breakfast. Moving on to the next question. When older adults at risk of developing THIS MENTAL ILLNESS received nutrition counseling and help with meal planning, they had fewer episodes of it.Grandpa: What is depression? Game show host: Correct! Older adults receiving dietary support demonstrated a significant improvement in depressive symptoms compared to a control group. Moving on. Regardless of gender, age, marital status, or income, poor diet is linked with poor mental health. Specifically, a high-sugar diet is linked to WHAT mental illness?Mom: What is everything? Game show host: Well, you may be correct. But this study showed that consuming large amounts of sugar is linked to bipolar disorder. Drum roll and next question! One study of people living with depression showed those who ate more fruit, veggies fish, and legumes improved almost 33% compared to only an 8% improvement if they ate lots of WHAT?Dad: What is junk food? Game show host: Correct. A long-term study showed that eating fast foods like hot dogs, pizza, burgers, cupcakes, croissants, and donuts is, in fact, linked to depression. And not just a slight increase. People who ate nearly 42 grams per day of fast food and baked goods had an associated risk for depression of WHAT PERCENT compared to those who ate 28 grams/day or less of these junk foods.Woman: What is 40%? Game show host: Yes. They showed a 40% increase for depression. In fact, the more they ate, the higher their risk! Next ques-ti-on! Our body has a “happy molecule,” a neurotransmitter that, among other things, contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being. What is the name of this molecule?Dad: Oh! I know this. It’s on the tip of my tongue. What is sero- -- what is serati ---? Uggghhh. What is a smiling molecule? Game show host: So, so close! It is serotonin. And speaking of serotonin, about 95% of it is found in our WHAT?Grandpa: What is my intestinal tract? Game show host: That is correct! Moving on… Twenty-two different studies have shown that people who follow THIS diet – eating foods like legumes, fish, fruits, veggies, and using olive oil- have a reduced risk for depression and cognitive impairment.Woman: What is Mediterranean? Game show host: Yes. Those foods are high in nutrients critical to mental health. Nutrients like...
Speaking of nutrient rich foods, there are 4 specific foods that are great for mental health. We already named nuts. What are the other 3?
Game show host: That’s two of them. Can anyone guess the last one?
Game show host: Yes. So the 4 are: Nuts. Especially almonds, brazil nuts, and cashews. Legumes which include black beans, chick peas, and soybeans. Fruits such as oranges, apples, and grapes. and Green leafy vegetables like kale, bok choy, and spinach. Next question. Snack bars can be 22% sugar! A candy bar is about 35% sugar! Soft drinks can be 39% sugar! While raw nuts have how much sugar!?Grandpa: None Game show host: Yes. Having healthy snacks handy, like raw nuts, makes it much easier to make healthy choices when hunger strikes! There are many natural sweeteners that are less harmful but the top four are coconut sugar, maple syrup, molasses and WHAT?Ok. Final question before the lightning round. We’ve talked a lot today about how cutting out sugar can be good for your mental health. There are many natural sweeteners that are less harmful but the top four are coconut sugar, maple syrup, molasses and WHAT? Bailey H Bee: HONEY! Game show host: Bailey H Bee! You got a stinger in right here at the end. (Pause) and Honey is… CORRECT! Honey does contain higher fructose levels but is low on the glycemic index – which makes it one of the best sugar substitutes around. One study found that replacing sugar with honey can actually lower blood sugar and avoid the weight gain that comes with high levels of sugar consumption. Fruits with natural sugars are also a great option to satisfy a sweet tooth. Okay, Family! You made it to the lightning round! Are you ready? (nods and smiles, excitement) Here we GO! You’ve got 30 seconds. What are the top 10 raw foods related to mental health?Montage: Different people answering. Correct answers:
Game show host: Good work team. Many of these foods go great in smoothies. So today’s prize is a smoothie maker! Other ways to eat healthier are:
Game show host: What a great family and great game today! That’s all for today’s episode. Thanks for tuning in AND see you next time on Feed Your Mind! Learn MoreReferencesBegdache, L., Chaar, M., Sabounchi, N., & Kianmehr, H. (2019). Assessment of dietary factors, dietary practices and exercise on mental distress in young adults versus matured adults: a cross-sectional study. Nutritional neuroscience, 22(7), 488-498.
Brookie, K. L., Best, G. I., & Conner, T. S. (2018). Intake of raw fruits and vegetables is associated with better mental health than intake of processed fruits and vegetables. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 487.
Camilleri M. (2009). Serotonin in the gastrointestinal tract. Current opinion in endocrinology, diabetes, and obesity, 16(1), 53–59. https://doi.org/10.1097/med.0b013e32831e9c8e
Jacka, F. N., O’Neil, A., Opie, R., Itsiopoulos, C., Cotton, S., Mohebbi, M., ... & Berk, M. (2017). A randomised controlled trial of dietary improvement for adults with major depression (the ‘SMILES’trial). BMC medicine, 15(1), 1-13.
Knüppel, A., Shipley, M. J., Llewellyn, C. H., & Brunner, E. J. (2017). Sugar intake from sweet food and beverages, common mental disorder and depression: prospective findings from the Whitehall II study. Scientific reports, 7(1), 1-10.
McManus, K. (2019) A practical guide to the Mediterranean diet. Harvard Health Blog.
Meegan, A. P., Perry, I. J., & Phillips, C. M. (2017). The association between dietary quality and dietary guideline adherence with mental health outcomes in adults: a cross-sectional analysis. Nutrients, 9(3), 238.
Psaltopoulou, T., Sergentanis, T. N., Panagiotakos, D. B., Sergentanis, I. N., Kosti, R., & Scarmeas, N. (2013). Mediterranean diet, stroke, cognitive impairment, and depression: a meta‐analysis. Annals of neurology, 74(4), 580-591.
Sánchez-Villegas, A., Henríquez-Sánchez, P., Ruiz-Canela, M., Lahortiga, F., Molero, P., Toledo, E., & Martínez-González, M. A. (2015). A longitudinal analysis of diet quality scores and the risk of incident depression in the SUN Project. BMC medicine, 13(1), 1-12.
Sánchez-Villegas, A., Toledo, E., De Irala, J., Ruiz-Canela, M., Pla-Vidal, J., & Martínez-González, M. A. (2012). Fast-food and commercial baked goods consumption and the risk of depression. Public health nutrition, 15(3), 424-432.
Williams, M. J., Klockars, A., Eriksson, A., Voisin, S., Dnyansagar, R., Wiemerslage, L., ... & Schiöth, H. B. (2016). The Drosophila ETV5 homologue Ets96B: molecular link between obesity and bipolar disorder. PLoS genetics, 12(6), e1006104.
Source: https://www.happify.com/hd/what-to-eat-for-optimal-mental-health-infographic/ |
The effect of long-acting injectable antipsychotic medications compared with oral antipsychotic medications among people with schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysisLong-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medications may be an important modality of reducing costs, improving symptoms, and fostering quality of life outcomes for those with schizophrenia. Our objective was to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of LAIs compared with oral antipsychotics on medication adherence, symptom remission/relapse, rehospitalization, outpatient visits, emergency department visits, healthcare costs, and social functioning. We performed a systematic search of PsycInfo, CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus databases to examine studies meeting inclusion criteria prior to August 30th, 2020. Randomized controlled trials, retrospective studies, prospective studies among people with schizophrenia with at least 6-month follow-up data were obtained. Overall effect sizes and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated with random-effects modeling. We found 75 articles meeting our inclusion criteria, including 341 730 individuals with schizophrenia. Systematic review results indicated that LAIs compared with orals improved medication adherence (25/29 studies), symptom remission/relapse (10/18 studies), rehospitalizations (26/49 studies), emergency department visits (9/17 studies), medical costs (11/15 studies), and social functioning (5/9 studies); however, LAIs also increased outpatient visits (7/16 studies) and pharmacy costs (10/10 studies). Meta-analytic results of studies with similar outcome measures did not find differences between LAIs and orals in respect to outcomes, except lowering emergency department visits and increasing pharmacy costs. The differences between the results of the narrative synthesis and the meta-analyses were possibly because of the low availability of studies with similar outcomes in the pooled analyses. Our overall results suggest that LAIs are at least comparable to orals in supporting important healthcare outcomes for those with schizophrenia. These findings support clinical practice in encouraging providers to prescribe LAIs when indicated. External Link
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