Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital

Shanette Smith, senior specialist and licensed LMFT at Sharp Mesa Vista, was interviewed for the San Diego Union-Tribune on the struggle hospice caregivers are having maintaining their mental health. Smith's advise for self-care during this time is to treat yourself as you would treat your best friend. If you were talking to a friend or someone that you love, what would you say to them? she said. What words of encouragement would you bestow upon them? Turn that inward and ...give yourself that space to feel. Read the full article below. http://spr.ly/6183HwMbB

#throwbackthursday Last month, the Community Outreach Committee at Sharp Mesa Vista, collected donations throughout the hospital to give back to the homeless of San Diego during the holiday season. They were able to collect and donate items, including hand sanitizer and wipes, hygiene products, blankets, clothing and more, to those in need. We are so proud of the amazing outreach that the Sharp Mesa Vista staff initiates to give back to our San Diego community throughout the... year! #giving #volunteer http://spr.ly/6180HkDIO

With the new year approaching, Dr. Lauren Butler, clinical psychologist at Sharp Mesa Vista, reminds us that even during stressful times, setting goals is a great way to help set a positive tone for the year and give us some solace and familiarity in a time of uncertainty. It sends the message that we are still important and so is our future. Check out 4 ways that Dr. Butler shares to take care of your mental health in the new year below. #mentalhealth #newyearsresolutions ... http://spr.ly/6181HTmiH

The new year is already off to a rough start following a difficult 2020. Charles Westfall, therapist and manager of adult outpatient services at Sharp Mesa Vista, was interviewed by NBC 7’s Ashley Matthews on how to take care of your mental health during the continued stresses of the pandemic and how to reach out to others virtually that you may be concerned about. If you or a loved one is in crisis, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, which is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255. For additional assistance, Sharp Mesa Vista is here to help. Please call 858-836-8434.

Oftentimes, New Year resolutions include some aspect of exercise as a way to lose weight, but it is important to include the other benefits physical activity provides to our hearts, bodies AND minds. Regular physical activity, however short/long or intense/mellow, can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and increase overall well-being. Check out the link below to learn recommendations for activity and other benefits of regular exercise.... http://spr.ly/6188HVrjI

Last week, Dr. Kelsey Bradshaw was interviewed in an NBC segment about the toll the pandemic is taking on the mental health of students, children and young adults. He encouraged parents to keep an open line of communication and advised them to seek professional help if they notice abrupt changes in their children, or concerning behaviors that are more persistent. See the full interview below - ... http://spr.ly/6189HTpDJ See more

Jaspal Gill, PhD, RN-BC, a senior nursing specialist at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, developed a study in which 12 patients who had an inpatient admission to a psychiatric facility within the prior 12 months all hospitalized for a variety of reasons, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, suicide ideation and other conditions were interviewed about how they perceived their care and whether their own involvement in their plan of care would lead to improved results and inc...reased satisfaction. It is so important to give our patients a voice, Gill says. They are the strongest player on the care team they need to be heard, involved and encouraged. Learn more about her results below: http://spr.ly/6185H12eb

Tis' the season of giving! This holiday season, the clinical staff of the Sharp Mesa Vista's East Wing 2 unit collected gifts to be delivered to the CDRP Polinsky Children’s Center Toy drive. The unit collected approximately 100 stuffed animals, toys and headphones for children in need dropping them off right before the holidays to be distributed in time for Christmas.... Happy Holidays!

This past Saturday, employees of Sharp Mesa Vista's East Wing 2 day shift organized to provide the downtown San Diego homeless population with education and some basic supplies to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Setting up their home base in downtown San Diego, by the San Diego Day Center that provides the homeless population with mail, laundry facility, showers and a safe environment, the team spent the day distributing 100 face masks and hand sanitizer. #givingback #wearmasks #stayhealthy #volunteer

This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week. If you or someone you love is living with a mental health issue, you're not alone. From anxiety to bipolar disorder, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness. But sadly, too many people with a mental health issue don't get help. "Treatment works," says Dr. Fadi Nicolas, chief medical officer of Sharp Behavioral Health Services. "Don't delay if you think you or a loved one needs help."... https://www.sharp.com//how-to-get-help-for-a-mental-health

After years of struggling and the added pressure of COVID-19, Jessica* found a program that supported her son's mental health. Following assessment for the Child and Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program at Sharp Mesa Vista, Matt was put into a highly structured, therapeutic environment where he learned self-esteem and relationship building, as well as techniques for improving and maintaining better behavior. A psychiatrist also worked with him to find effective medicati...ons better suited to his needs. Read more about Jessica and her son's journey in finding the proper and best care for his needs at Sharp Mesa Vista below. http://spr.ly/6187HDuXL

Like most events, activities and celebrations this year, the 2020 holidays are likely to be far different than your past Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa celebrations. Not only are we in the midst of a pandemic severely limiting our ability to gather, and negatively affecting the health and finances of many but COVID-19 infections continue to grow and the flu season is soon to take off. Kim Eisenberg, LCSW, lead therapist at Sharp Mesa Vista Post-Traumatic S...tress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma Recovery Program, advises on the best thing we can do for our mental health this holiday season. https://www.sharp.com//the-possibility-of-happy-holidays-d

In setting boundaries, you empower yourself. You send the message to yourself that you have value and your needs matter, which is especially important right now during the holiday season and with the pandemic affecting our everyday lives. Shelby Espiritu, LMFT, Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital Shelby Espiritu was interviewed on KOGO radio about protecting and preparing yourself this holiday season with proper boundaries and scheduled self-care time. Learn more about creating bo...undaries before the upcoming holidays below. http://spr.ly/6189HRCjc

During Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, we are reminded that "suicide does not end the chances of life getting worse. It eliminates the possibility of it ever getting any better". Never forget that you are not alone. Reach out 24 hours a day to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. #howareyoureally #suicideprevention #reducethestigma

During this pandemic, it is important for parents of teens to understand the mental health impact the pandemic can have on their children and the warning signs not to ignore. "While school closures and continued social distancing recommendations are necessary to keep our community safe, they are also likely to further increase loneliness and the lack of connection many teens already experience," says Dr. Wojciechowski, PhD, clinical psychologist at Sharp Mesa Vista. "The incr...eased isolation and stress related to COVID-19 may also lead to higher rates of teen depression, anxiety and even suicide, especially in teens who were struggling with mental health challenges prior to the pandemic." Learn more below. #suicide #SuicidePrevention https://www.sharp.com//teen-isolation-and-suicide-preventi

This year’s Virtual Walk4ALZ was a success - almost reaching their goal of $475,000 raised! On October 17th, nearly 1,000 people walked independently or in small groups for local support and research for Alzheimer's and dementia. We are happy to partner with Alzheimer's San Diego to support the research and clinical trials to help those living with Alzheimer's or dementia.... Check out more photos from the virtual walk here: https://www.alzsd.org/walk4alzhome/

This morning, Caroline Atterton, lead therapist for the Senior Intensive Outpatient Program at Sharp Mesa Vista, was interviewed on Fox 5 San Diego to offer tips to the audience to better prepare mentally for the upcoming holiday and associated feelings of isolation or depression. She emphasized the importance of allowing yourself to feel the emotions, practicing gratitude, staying active, doing something nice for someone else and avoiding alcohol and drugs. See her full interview below. #mentalhealth #howareyoureally

During Suicide Prevention Month, Lindsay Kramer, marriage and family therapist at Sharp Mesa Vista and lead of the Adult Intensive Outpatient Program, was interviewed by CBS 8 about how COVID-19 could be the cause of an increased suicide rate and how to help those around you.

In an effort to create awareness around suicide prevention, educating our community on aspects of life that can lead to suicidal thoughts is of the utmost importance. Knowing these factors and signs could be the support and confidence someone needs to ask a friend or family member, "How are you really?" During this time of COVID, isolation and loneliness can be a common thread throughout those that live alone or have less opportunity to connect with family or friends that liv...e far away from them. People who are isolated and feel lonely are at increased risk of suicide. Feeling lonely correlates with mental health distress, including anxiety and depression, says Dr. Dara Schwartz, PhD, a clinical psychologist with Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital. If you are having despairing thoughts or thoughts of wanting to harm yourself, it is important to remember you are not alone and help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255. Learn more about managing loneliness during the pandemic here. #suicideprevention #suicidepreventionweek https://www.sharp.com//managing-loneliness-during-covid-19

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The most powerful way we can prevent suicide is by raising awareness. According to the WHO, approximately 800,000 people die due to suicide each year, which is one person every 40 seconds. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, seek help as soon as possible. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255.... https://www.sharp.com/health-news/destigmatizing-suicide.cfm

Bringing the Backpack Project to life, Nancy Earl, lead clinical nurse at Sharp Mesa Vista, and Noor Bahramzi, clinical nurse at Sharp Mesa Vista, teamed up with a mission to collect donations for school and hygiene products for the homeless children of the Monarch School in downtown San Diego. What started as a petition throughout their own unit, turned into a hospital-wide initiative leading their initial dream of 30 backpacks to grow to almost 80! Fox 5 interviews Noor as the two nurses dropped off the backpacks this past Wednesday to the appreciative staff of the Monarch School.

Understanding your mental health during this pandemic is more important than ever as our unknown future continues to bring stress to our lives. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Efforts to prevent the spread of disease, such as physical distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely. Learn the latest information on COVID-19 and tools for coping with stress in a healthy way th...at will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. There will be plenty of time for questions. Join the webinar tomorrow from 6 to 7:30 pm. To register, visit sharp.com/covidwebinar

"When we experience stress no matter how small or large, directly or indirectly our bodies start a process called allostasis, a fight-or-flight response that aims to reset our equilibrium. Allostatic load is the term that describes the wear and tear on the body of someone who experiences repeated or chronic stress over time, including work, deadlines, finances and family. Research has shown that persistent stressors or trauma can lead to health problems; an estimated 80...% of all sickness may be related to chronic stress," says Dr. Monica Hinton, PhD, is a behavioral health therapist at Sharp McDonald Center. Learn more about how allostatic load and racism impacts your health below. https://www.sharp.com/he/the-impact-of-racism-on-health.cfm

Dr. Jen Wojciechowski, clinical child psychologist at Sharp Mesa Vista, was interviewed this morning by ABC 10 about ways to maintain your children's mental health during the pandemic and as school begins again. She shares some tips for parents to support their child's mental health and how she continues to practice in Sharp Mesa Vista's specialized Child & Adolescent Program with virtual and in-person sessions. Check out the interview below!... #mentalhealth #childrenmentalhealth See more

According to Kim Eisenberg, a licensed clinical social worker with Sharp Mesa Vista, for households forced into new situations due to COVID such as a one partner losing their job and the other partner becoming the primary breadwinner the dissolution of social norms, while challenging, can also be liberating and create a blank slate going forward. Any time we’re faced with a major disruption to our lives, we are afforded the opportunity to shift our perspective and do things differently, Eisenberg says. Unforeseen challenges can lead to enduring growth and give us a sense of purpose along the way. https://www.sharp.com//pandemic-helps-reveal-who-does-what

As we continue to battle coronavirus in our community and worldwide, there has been a large increase specifically in the infection of the younger population. Kim Eisenberg, a licensed clinical social worker with Sharp Mesa Vista, was interviewed on KUSI about why the youth fear social isolation more than coronavirus and how that impacts their choices in adhering to state and county guidelines. https://www.kusi.com/psychologist-explains-why-the-youth-f/