Psych Matters Blog
International Overdose Awareness Day
International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event held annually on August 31 and aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. Elisa Gumm, MD, the Director of the University of Arizona Psychiatry Department’s Addiction Fellowship Program, covers the importance of awareness and advocacy in treating addiction, and also discusses the Addiction Fellowship program and the need for providers in the field of addiction.
Self-Care & Mindfulness
International Self-Care Day (ISD), is celebrated annually on 24 July (24/7!) and provides a focus and opportunity to raise the profile of healthy lifestyle self-care programs around the world. We spoke with Banner – University physician and Psychiatry Department faculty member Pamela Mirsky, MD, FACLP, Director of the Banner – University Medical Center South Mindfulness Clinic, about self-care, mindfulness, and how they work together.
Time to Prioritize Indigenous Youth: Mind, Body, Spirit, and Culture
The American Indian Youth Wellness Camp is an example of a program working to engage youth in healthy lifestyle, including mental health, and the inclusion of parents ensures a family-based approach.
PTSD Awareness Month & Day
June is PTSD Awareness Month, and while PTSD may generally be associated with military personnel and the trauma they face from their experiences in war zones, PTSD can happen to anyone who experiences a traumatic event. We spoke with Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry Brittany Pace, MD, about what causes PTSD, some signs of the condition, how to heal, places to seek help and local resources.
Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to call attention to the fact that more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease – which is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. We spoke with Allan Anderson, MD, director of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Tucson (BAI Tucson), about the disease, warning signs, how early treatment can be effective, the toll on caregivers, and recommendations for supporting overall brain health.