Brad Stulberg

Authors of a brand-new study just published in the journal Behavioral Sciences sought to understand the relationship between how much strength train we do and health outcomes. The authors hypothesized, logically, that people who do more strength training (strength training more often and longer workouts) would: Improve body image perceptions. Improve nutrition habits. Improve health-related outcomes. The authors were wrong. In fact, it was the opposite. The authors concluded, “The study reveals a nuanced relationship between strength training, body image, psychological well-being, and nutritional habits. Notably, increased training frequency was associated with less favorable health outcomes, including poorer nutritional choices and heightened psychological traits like neuroticism, challenging traditional views on physical training benefits.” We should strength train. However, doing more strength training is not linked to better results (and in this study, more was linked to worse results).

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A depressing but important summary https://lnkd.in/gFgQ3NsZ

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Unintended pregnancies pose significant health, financial, and social consequences that disproportionately impact those with the least, underscoring the need for effective #familyplanning (FP) programs. Here are 6️⃣ #behavioraldesign principles optimizing FP program design.

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A valuable new resource is now available in AcademyHealth's "New Roadmap for Research: Navigating the Research Process with an Equity Lens." This comprehensive guide offers ten steps to enhance your research approach, from forming your team to disseminating findings and reflecting on insights. Each step includes contextual overviews, team discussion questions, and extensive resources for further study. We are proud to have Dr. Tara Trudnak Fowler, Altarum’s Vice President for Population Health, as one of the contributors of this work led by Dr. Margo Edmunds. This resource is great tool for advancing health equity for Dr. Fowler and her team to utilize across their work in community health, applied research, and health systems transformation. Dive into the Roadmap and elevate your research with an equity-focused approach. https://lnkd.in/dRPeDi-F #HealthEquity #ResearchInnovation #AcademyHealth

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Important message in this Op-Ed piece about the importance of Primary Care Physicians to do routine suicide screenings - suicide rates have increase over 36% between 2000-2022.....#CareAct #suicide #primarycare

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Today, less than 20% of mental health providers practice measurement-based care. Yet it has the potential to foster a treatment experience that is highly intentional, collaborative, and transparent, and serves providers, patients and insurers equitably. I had the honor of penning a blog post on how we can unlock the potential of measurement-based care in mental health. 📈🧠 Dive in to learn about the importance of measuring outcomes and how it can transform mental health care for the better. Read the full blog post here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gJHzBU3V #MentalHealth #MeasurementBasedCare #DataDriven #HealthcareInnovation #Mindfulness #Headspace UPDATE: Updating this post to share the original JAMA Psychiatry source link for the stat on MBC utilization, which I realize was omitted. https://lnkd.in/g8J2BCeM). I also want to acknowledge the importance of utilizing both idiographic as well as nomothetic assessments to ensure our approach to measurement based care is collaborative, culturally responsive, and personalized.  I’m grateful for the discussion around how we can use assessments to consistently and intentionally ensure our treatment plans are effective – and so we can demonstrate the value of the care that is being delivered.  

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We look forward to welcoming Annie Goldsmith, RD, LDN (she/her) on Tuesday, May 21st, from 10 am to 11 am PDT to present Working with Clients Who Have Dissociative Identity Disorder: What EDRDs Need to Know! Although the prevalence of eating disorders and disordered eating is high amongst patients with a diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), training for working with these clients is not provided within standard ED education. Compounding this issue is that DID is a covert disorder, often taking a client 7 to 10 years within mental health treatment systems before the condition is identified and diagnosed. This means it is likely that many ED clinicians are working with DID clients without knowing it and aren’t sure what to do when a diagnosed DID client comes to us for ED care. All of this has huge implications for treatment outcomes. In this presentation, Annie Goldsmith will share considerations for dietitians working with complex trauma survivors, including those with a diagnosis of DID. Event details and membership signup available at https://lnkd.in/dRiP9Eb7 #DissociativeIdentityDisorder #EatingDisorder #Dietitian #MentalHealthMatters #EatingDisorderDietitian #MentalHealth #AntiDiet #FatPositive

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Re-introducing the University of Pittsburgh's National Sports Brain Bank! 🧠 Partnering with the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, this initiative tracks the health of living participants annually and conducts brain autopsies posthumously. Together, we're advancing the study of neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain injuries resulting from various sports and activities. 🏈 #BrainHealth #Neuroscience #NationalAlzheimersMonth #NationalBrainAwarenessMonth

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Behavior is comparable to disease in driving distress, illness, and dysfunction in primary care patients. Behavioral clinicians have solutions, but few are employed in the setting. We need to rectify this and prioritize behavior change in primary care. Countless patients need behavioral interventions, and clinicians today are making an impact in brief (20-minute) visits. Dysfunctional behavior exacerbates chronic diseases like diabetes and depression. For example, patients often fail to take helpful medications for many reasons. Dysfunctional behavior ranges in complexity and magnitude, impacting physical and emotional health. Behavior merits attention as a unique clinical domain, not just for contributing to many disease processes. Traditional solutions are inadequate.  More behavioral training will not help PCPs succeed, and models like Collaborative Care cannot scale to meet the need. If behavior is as fundamental as disease in determining health and illness, we must reconfigure primary care and make behavior specialists routinely available. Over time, behavioral clinicians will be viewed as co-leaders of primary care teams, not simply adjunctive staff. Their accountability for the ubiquitous domain of behavior makes them essential clinical partners to PCPs. Each domain’s importance is undiminished by the other. See more 200-word essays on my website: https://lnkd.in/gDwmGpQW  

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📊 New Insights from the 2021 and 2022 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health: Behavioral Health Among Older Adults We're excited to share the latest findings from the 2021 and 2022 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, which highlight critical trends in substance use and mental health among older adults. The data reveal significant public health concerns that require our attention and action. 🔍 Key Findings: • Substance Use: Approximately 12.1% of older adults used illicit drugs in the past year, with marijuana being the most common substance. Notably, older adult males were more likely to use these substances compared to their female counterparts. • Alcohol Use: Binge and heavy drinking remain prevalent, with 12.8% of older adults engaging in binge drinking. Older males are twice as likely to engage in heavy drinking compared to females. • Substance Use Disorders: About 9.1% of older adults had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, with alcohol use disorder (AUD) being the most common. • Mental Health: 12.5% of older adults experienced any mental illness, and 3.5% had a major depressive episode. Females were more likely than males to have these mental health issues. • Suicidal Thoughts: Alarmingly, 1 in 50 older adults had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support. 🚀 Implications for Action: These findings underscore the need for enhanced support and tailored interventions for older adults. Addressing the barriers to treatment, such as stigma and accessibility issues, is crucial. We must foster an environment where older adults feel empowered to seek help for both substance use and mental health challenges. At Transformation House, we are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to older adults, ensuring they receive the support they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. 🔗 Learn More: For more detailed information, you can access the full report here: https://loom.ly/1cgeTu8 #MentalHealth #SubstanceUse #OlderAdults #Wellness

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Did you know that Hepatitis D is a disease that is rarely discussed in mental health groups, even though it is prevalent within the many communities we work with? Check out this short but informative article from JAMA Network to learn more about Hep D. Let's spread awareness and empower ourselves and our communities with knowledge. #hepatitisDawareness #mentalhealthmatters

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APA is calling on social media companies and policymakers to take responsibility to protect youth. Our new report follows up 2023's health advisory by focusing on design features and platform functions that may be inherently unsafe for developing brains. See our science-backed recommendations: https://at.apa.org/f6i #socialmedia #teens #mentalhealth #science

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Behavioral Health Impacts of Long COVID - Policy to Action By: Molly Sanborn, M.P.H., Public Health Analyst, National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory and Dr. Billina Shaw, MD, MPH, FAPA, FASAM, Senior Medical Advisor, Center for Mental Health Services In May 2023, the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended – reflecting a long-awaited return to normalcy across the United States. However, this has not been the case for millions of Americans who continue to struggle with the economic and social effects of the pandemic, including disruptions to daily life, loss, and grief. For some, physical and mental health effects from the virus continue to persist long after the period of initial infection. These lingering effects of a previous COVID-19 infection are most commonly known as Long COVID. The symptoms of Long COVID are numerous and varied. Common symptoms include fatigue, difficulty concentrating or “brain fog,” shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain, heart palpitations, cough, joint or muscle pain, depression, anxiety, and many more side effects. About a quarter of people with Long COVID experience significant activity limitations. Early population estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that in 2022, around 7 percent of the entire U.S. adult population reported having Long COVID. According to U.S. Government Accountability Office estimates, there are likely between 7.7 to 23 million people living with Long COVID in the United States. CDC data also reflects that Long COVID cases are reported in children, though less common than adult cases. One estimate suggests that about 1.3 percent of children aged 17 and under have experienced Long COVID. Impact of Long COVID on Mental Health The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our nation’s well-being is well-documented, with people of all ages and backgrounds reporting increased stress and behavioral health challenges due to several reasons, including physical and behavioral health symptoms from the effects of the virus, social isolation, financial insecurity, caregiver burnout, and grief. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), CDC, and others noted that during the pandemic, those with mental health conditions and substance use disorders faced higher risks of complications. For those with Long COVID experiencing lingering effects from a COVID-19 infection, the impact on both physical and mental health can be particularly challenging, especially when there are no immediate answers or solutions. Some of the most common mental health conditions associated with Long COVID include fatigue, sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, psychosis, cognitive impairment, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder........ Continued......please click on image in the banner below to access and finish reading this piece. Posted by Larry Cole

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📢 New Research Alert! 📢 We are excited to share an insightful study recently published in the Journal of Happiness and Health: "Self-compassion enhances intuitive eating patterns in middle-aged adults" by Krista Irmischer, MSc, MCC, Marina Iglesias Cans PhD, Dr Jolanta Burke, CPsychol, and Annette Sweeney. 🔍 Key Findings: Intuitive Eating and Self-Compassion: The study reveals a strong connection between intuitive eating and self-compassion, particularly highlighting the roles of reduced self-judgement and increased common humanity. Survey Insights: Data from 234 participants, mostly women aged 36-65, shows that self-compassion explains 24% of the variance in intuitive eating patterns. Unexpected Correlations: Contrary to previous research, a positive correlation between BMI and intuitive eating was found. Policy and Practice Implications: The results suggest potential applications in nutritional counselling and health policy, emphasising a shift from restrictive diets to more self-compassionate eating approaches. This research underscores the importance of fostering self-compassion to promote healthier eating habits and overall well-being. Further exploration into the relationship between intuitive eating, BMI, and dietary quality is needed to deepen our understanding. 📖 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gESz6CQn #Research #IntuitiveEating #SelfCompassion #Wellbeing #MentalHealth #MiddleAgedAdults #Nutrition #HealthPolicy #AcademicPublication

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In an insightful episode of The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast, host Christian Ace Stettler engaged in a meaningful dialogue with Marya 💁🏽‍♀️ Wright, DSW MSW BSW Wright, a clinical social worker and educator known for her revolutionary approach to child welfare and systemic reform. The discussion focused on the need for trust, understanding, and comprehensive change within the child welfare system, emphasizing the importance of empowering system-impacted families and addressing implicit biases. Key Takeaways: Building Trust in Child Welfare: The conversation underscored the deep-seated lack of trust that the black community holds towards the child welfare system, spotlighting the necessity for systemic change and a more empathetic, culturally informed approach to rebuilding this trust. Addressing Implicit Bias: Marya and Christian discussed how implicit bias significantly affects decision-making in child welfare, leading to disparities that impact children and families. They highlighted the urgent need for awareness and corrective measures within the system. Revolutionary Approach to Social Work: Marya shared her perspective on what it means to be a revolutionary social worker, advocating for relentless change and challenging the status quo in child welfare. Her approach involves empowering clients through knowledge, honesty, and mutual respect. Culture and Community in Social Work: The importance of understanding and respecting various cultures and backgrounds in building a supportive community was a central theme. Marya emphasized the value of togetherness and cultural competence in effective social work practice. Empowering System-Impacted Families: The episode highlighted Marya's commitment to empowering families affected by the child welfare system. She shared insights on collaboration, autonomy, choice, and navigating conflicts, all while maintaining honesty and striving for real, lasting change. This episode provided listeners with a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in child welfare, seen through the lens of a professional deeply committed to making a difference. Marya Wright's experiences and insights offer valuable lessons and inspiration for all seeking to make a positive impact in social work and beyond.

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