Psychedelic medicine is here, and as a psychiatrist, I think it’s long overdue. We are in the midst of a mental health crisis, with over a million lives lost in the world each year to suicide. This is especially tragic, because depression is treatable, even if the individual can’t see a way out at the time. About 1 in every 8 Americans takes an antidepressant medication every … [Read more...]
Warriors on Cataract—Where warriors find healing
Warriors on Cataract takes veterans onto the Colorado to heal Warriors on Cataract exists as a nonprofit organization working to get underserved populations out into the Moab wilderness, including those who need help healing from the trauma of having served in the military. They focus on conducting four-day river trips for veterans who struggle with any sort of trauma … [Read more...]
Utah Healing Center Uses Horses and Dogs to Aid in Trauma Therapy
Utah Healing Center works with individuals of all ages suffering from physical disabilities, chronic or terminal illnesses, and have experienced traumatic life events. They also work with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, grief, addictions, parenting and family issues. Animals Are Healers Dr. Janelle Nimer has always believed in the healing powers of animals. “Animals were … [Read more...]
Forest bathing with Wasatch Forest Therapy
Wasatch Forest Therapy, run by Utah County resident Lissa Kennedy, wants to help people slow down by experiencing forest bathing, because many Utahns love spending time outdoors, but often spend that time whizzing through the landscape. Immerse yourself in nature with forest bathing Once a month, Kennedy takes up to 10 people into the woods for three hours. She conducts … [Read more...]
Depression and the Gut-Brain Connection
Drug Abuse and Isolation Rapidly Growing In 2019 we are faced with a sobering fact: Drug abuse and isolation are rapidly growing into the two biggest problems with modern society. The increasing rates of depression and suicide point to this growing problem. Men between the ages of 20-45 are more likely to die from suicide than car crashes, war, cancer or heart … [Read more...]
How Drug Addiction and Homelessness are Intertwined
When someone is faced with addiction, they often can’t control the fate of their living situation as most, if not all, of their focus is solely on obtaining and using drugs they have become dependent on. When this happens, people with substance use disorders can sometimes find themselves homeless and living on the streets. The connection between addiction and homelessness is … [Read more...]
Falling Through the Cracks – Teens and Divorce
Emily (her name has been changed) was a Utah high school Sophomore with a bright future. She had a 3.8 GPA, was active in sports and school clubs, and was well liked by both her teachers and peers. “I was extroverted and happy,” she said. But that would soon change. Emily's parents announced they were divorcing. But not just divorcing. It was an ugly dissolution where … [Read more...]
Billboard Nation: Why Utah is Being Overrun by Billboards and Distracting Ads
November and December are the best months to see the scenery along Utah’s roads. Residents and tourists alike await the fall colors on Mount Timpanogos and the snow dusting Mount Olympus. But these views are becoming more scarce. We didn’t take an official survey, but everyone we spoke to—100% of those polled—said they would prefer to see mountains instead of billboards. So … [Read more...]