MedBlog

COVID; Mental Health

Coping with COVID-19: Class of 2020 Edition

The global pandemic has robbed many high school seniors of a defining moment in their lives, and it’s important that parents, friends, and loved ones don’t try to dismiss their feelings of loss. UT Southwestern psychologists offer suggestions on how to treat the Class of 2020 with grace and empathy.

Jessica Moore, M.D.

May 11, 2020

COVID; Mental Health; Your Pregnancy Matters

Tips to manage 'pandemic pregnancy' stress

Pregnancy can be stressful, especially during COVID-19 quarantine. Get tips to manage "pandemic pregnancy" stress in this Your Pregnancy Matters blog.

Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M.D.

April 21, 2020

COVID; Mental Health

COVID-19 and substance abuse: How to HALT stress drinking, drug use

Physical isolation may lead to increased drinking at home – which carries mental health costs. Get tips to spot warning signs in yourself and others, plus see how COVID-19 is changing the future of treatment.

Adriane Dela Cruz, M.D., Ph.D.

April 15, 2020

Brain; COVID; Mental Health

Why we touch our faces so much – and how to break the habit

Why is it so hard not to touch our own faces? Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic? UT Southwestern's neuropsychologist Dr. Nyaz Didehbani explains this instinctual, soothing behavior and how to resist it now more than ever.

Nyaz Didehbani, Ph.D.

March 26, 2020

COVID; Mental Health

COVID-19 distress: Managing your mental health in a pandemic

For the 500 million people worldwide who are already struggling with depression and anxiety disorders, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic can feel downright paralyzing because our brains are designed around predictability and structure. There are some practical, common sense and clinical solutions to manage the distress.

Ahmad Raza, M.D., Ph.D.

March 23, 2020

Mental Health; Prevention

7 ways to cope with holiday stress

Whether you’re dealing with financial worries, family dynamics, or health concerns, it’s important to keep your holiday stress levels under control. Licensed social worker Rita Smith offers seven easy but effective ways to navigate the pressures of the season in today’s MedBlog.

November 27, 2019

Aging; Mental Health; Prevention

Sleep: The real Fountain of Youth

Whether we like it or not, sleep patterns change as we age and consistently poor sleep can lead to larger health problems. UT Southwestern's Natalia David, Psy.D., offers practical solutions on how you can get a better night's sleep and feel more vibrant because of it.

Natalia David, Psy.D.

October 23, 2019

Digestive; Mental Health; Nutrition

What causes GI issues in teens – and how to get them to talk about it

For some students, heading back to school sparks excitement. For others, it's a source of new or worsening gastrointestinal pain. In this week’s MedBlog, Nandini Channabasappa, M.D., discusses why school stress can provoke GI issues and how to treat them.

Nandini Channabasappa, M.D.

September 11, 2019

Brain; Mental Health

Mindful meditation can reduce stress, risk of cardiovascular disease

An integrative approach to health includes not only good nutrition, adequate exercise and sleep, but also engaging in positive relationships and stress management. The last six decades have brought forth extensive evidence that meditation and the mind-body connection can have tangible effects on your health.

August 15, 2019

Brain; Mental Health; Prevention

6 tech tips to get a better night's sleep

We know that smartphone use before bed disrupts our sleeping habits. But it’s impractical today to say mobile devices should be banned from the bedroom. Natalia S. David, PsyD., discusses how technology can promote better sleep – rather than hinder it.

Natalia David, Psy.D.

August 7, 2019