Wellness
"Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity." Constitution of the World Health Organization
"Wellness is an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence." National Wellness Institute
Introduction
This guide provides information resources on the topic of health professionals' mental health and well-being. Included below are links to global, national, & local organizations; reports, services, and literature on mental health, stress, burnout, depression, schizophrenia, suicide, stigma, and more. Some resources may require USC login.
Where do I start?
To obtain general background information, view the resources listed in the History/Background box, as well as the Burnout / Well-being of Healthcare Professionals box.
After that, take a look at the other boxes on this page that provide further information on specific intervention strategies. Finally, view the links in the columns on the right side of the screen for links to global, national, local, and campus resources.
It's Kind of a Funny Story
JOIN US!!!
Thursday, September 28, 2017,
4:30 - 9:00pm
It's Kind of a Funny Story Sometimes what's in your head isn't as crazy as you think. A clinically depressed teenager gets a new start after he checks himself into an adult psychiatric ward. An uplifting comedy about finding sanity in the most unlikely of places. Charming, witty and smart, it's a coming-of-age that's kind of a funny story... 101 min
pre-film tabling event / therapy dogs / mindful meditation sessions
post-film discussion will focus on wellness & self-care of health professionals
Aresty Auditorium / HSC
Health Sciences Campus, Harlyne J. Norris Research Tower (NRT), map
Video Directions to the Aresty Auditorium from HSC Biggy lot and HSC Quad
RSVPs are required however do not guarantee a seat.
All Filmology events are OVERBOOKED to maximize seating capacity in the theater.
The RSVP list will be checked on a first-come, first-served basis until the theater is full. Once the theater has reached capacity we will no longer be able to admit guests, regardless of RSVP status.
Evening Agenda
4:30-6pm In-N-Out Truck / tabling event / therapy dogs / meditation sessions
6:00-6:05pm Welcome / Bios
6:05-6:15pm Film Introduction by Earl C. Paysinger, USC Vice President of Civic Engagement
6:15-8:00pm Film Screening (101 min)
8:00-9:00pm Moderated Discussion
#NMLFilmology, #itskindofafunnystory, #MentalHealth
It's Kind of a Funny Story Trailer
History / Background Stress & Wellness
- The Stress of Life byCall Number: Norris Medical Library, Upper Level, QZ 160 S469st 1976The physical book is located at Norris library.
- The struggle of mental health7 Ted Talks on depression, schizophrenia, and suicidal feelings. Includes Elyn Saks talk "A tale of mental illness - from the inside".
- The History of WellnessGlobal Wellness Institute's timeline of the history of wellness.
- Terry, P. E., J. Grossmeier, and N. Hudsmith. "The Art of Health Promotion: The value issue." Am J Health Promot 29 (2015): TAHP-1.Includes Hettler, B., & Hardie, B. (2014). The Past, Present, and Future of the Wellness Movement: An Interview with Dr. Bill Hettler. American journal of health promotion: AJHP, 29(5), TAHP2-3.
Burnout / Well-being of Healthcare Professionals
- Raj, Kristin S. "Well-being in residency: a systematic review." Journal of Graduate Medical Education 8.5 (2016): 674-684.
- Burnout Among Health Care Professionals: A Call to Explore and Address This Underrecognized Threat to Safe, High-Quality Care2017 National Academy of Medicine discussion paper by Lotte N. Dyrbye, Tait D. Shanafelt, Christine A. Sinsky, Pamela F. Cipriano, Jay Bhatt, Alexander Ommaya, Colin P. West, and David Meyers
- National Academy of Medicine - Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and ResilienceThis “action collaborative” will provide the venue for a set of collaborative activities, grounded in evidence-based knowledge, to (1) assess and understand the underlying causes of clinician burnout and suicide, and (2) advance solutions that reverse the trends in clinician stress, burnout, and suicide.
- Webinar: Combating Burnout, Promoting Physician Well-being: Building Blocks for a Healthy Learning Environment in GMEDrs. Carol Bernstein and Lyuba Konopasek provide a hands-on approach for conducting a needs assessment for developing a physician well-being plan, including tools to identify stressors and supports, as well as for developing curricular innovations, coaching strategies, and faculty development activities to use in the clinical learning environment.
- Screening for Mental HealthEric Cohen Student Health Center offers free brief screenings. This is the quickest way to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a mental health professional. This program is completely anonymous and confidential, and immediately following the brief questionnaire you will see your results, recommendations, and key resources.
Stigma of Mental Illness
- Psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison Underscores Need to Destigmatize Mental Illness in Medical EducationDr. Kay Redfield Jamison shares her perspectives on coping with mental illness.
- NIMH Outreach Partnership ProgramNIMH program designed to deliver science-based information to communities across the country in order to promote understanding about mental disorders and behavior, thereby helping to reduce misperceptions and negative attitude towards mental illness.
Depression
- Depression and College StudentsNational Institute of Mental Health fact sheet and resources on depression.
- Beyond Blue - Depression. Anxiety.The 2013 Australian National Mental Health Survey of Doctors and Medical Students.
- Breaking Free from Depression byPublication Date: 2012
Schizophrenia
- Saks, Elyn R. "Successful and schizophrenic." The New York Times (2013).Elyn Saks discusses her personal journey and successful life, living with a grave diagnosis of schizophrenia, as well as her research that focuses on individuals with high-functioning schizophrenia.
- The Center Cannot Hold byCall Number: Norris Medical Library, Reserve, WM 40 S158c 2007
Suicide
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National Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-TALK OR (800) 273-8255 or online chat or text "TALK" to 741-741
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24/7 free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
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- At USC HSC:
- Deans On Call (24/7): Contact a dean in urgent/emergency situations at any time. Call 323-442-2553.
- Eric Cohen Student Health Center, Counseling Services at 323-442-5631 (state that you have an urgent issue)
- Ten Facts About Physician SuicideAmerican Foundation for Suicide Prevention fact sheet about physician depression and suicide.
- Night Falls Fast byCall Number: Doheny Library, RC569 .J36 1999Jamison (Johns Hopkins Univ.) focuses on understanding why young people kill themselves, what mental suffering precipitates suicide, and how professionals and society can prevent this tragedy.
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)This site contains links to many tools and resources on physician suicide and prevention strategies; includes links to literature, toolkits, films, and prevention programs.
- AFSP Interactive Screening Program (ISP)AFSP’s signature intervention program, the ISP is an online tool used by medical schools across the country as a method of connecting to students, residents and faculty, and encouraging them to utilize available mental health services before crises emerge. ISP is listed as a Best Practice for Suicide Prevention and is an integral part of a comprehensive suicide prevention and mental health promotion strategy.
Interventions to Reduce Burnout
Healing Physician Burnout by Call Number: Norris Medical Library, Upper Level, WM 172 S933h 2015
Resiliency
- Resilience : the science of mastering life's greatest challengesPublication Date: 2012
- Resilience and Mental Health byPublication Date: 2011
- Stanford - The Resilience ProjectCombines personal storytelling, events, programs, and academic skills coaching to motivate and support students as they experience the setbacks that are a normal part of a rigorous education.
Emotional Intelligence
First, do no self harm : understanding and promoting physician stress resilience by Call Number: Norris Medical Library, Upper Level, W 62 F527 2013
Environment
- American Psychiatric Association's Partnership for Workplace Mental HealthThe organization's mission is to help workers with mental illness by inspiring companies to reduce the stigma of mental health issues and provide better support for employees.
- Mayo Clinic Physician Well-Being ProgramThe program is dedicated to understanding and promoting physician well-being, providing resources, and creating a workplace that is a source of energy renewal.
- New head of student health named at USCVan Orman comes from a public health framework that works to improve physical health, mental health and wellness through both direct clinical services as well as through policies, systems and environmental approaches. An important emerging issue on college campuses is diversity and inclusion.
- Wellness initiatives launched across Keck Medicine of USCA series of wellness initiatives recently launched across Keck Medicine of USC aim to encourage healthy living among physicians, nurses and staff.
Panel Members
Click the blue links to learn more about our panelists.
Elyn R. Saks is Orrin B. Evans Professor of Law, Psychology, and Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law; Director of the Saks Institute for Mental Health Law, Policy, and Ethics; Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine; and Faculty at the New Center for Psychoanalysis. Professor Saks received her J.D. from Yale Law School, and a Ph.D. in Psychoanalytic Science from the New Center for Psychoanalysis. She was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree (LL.D., Hon.) from Pepperdine University.
Saks writes extensively in the area of law and mental health, having published five books and more than fifty articles and book chapters. Her memoir, The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness, describes her struggles with schizophrenia and her managing to craft a good life for herself in the face of a dire prognosis. She has won numerous honors, including a 2009 John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Fellowship (the so-called “Genius Grant”). See full bio
Chief Operating Officer, Polaris Teen Center
Dr. Butler is a mental health professional who has spent over thirteen years serving both practical and therapeutic roles in the treatment of mental health disorders. She has fulfilled various roles at the highest profile treatment centers in the country, and has developed a comprehensive understanding of the treatment culture. She has spent years providing group, individual and family counseling, crisis management and intervention, relapse prevention, and multidisciplinary treatment planning.
Tobi Fishel, Ph.D is an integrative clinical and health psychologist and the Director of Residency Wellness at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California. She is the former co-founder and Director of Behavioral Medicine for the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Vanderbilt Medical School. She also co-developed the Distressed Physician Course at Vanderbilt University which incorporates emotional intelligence, narrative medicine and mindfulness.
Currently, in addition to responsibilities at Keck, she teaches a trauma psychotherapy course in the School of Social Work at USC, is a consultant for integrative health centers and the VA system, and has a unique clinical practice for individuals and families struggling with trauma and chronic illness where she incorporates self-compassion, creative arts, mindfulness, movement, depth psychology, spirituality, body-centered practices and the healing medicine of community, music, and the natural world. The guiding principle in her work is encouraging a deepening relationship with the innate gifts of one’s own soul.
Mahima Verma
USC Alumni - Mental Health Advocate
Mahima Verma is a recent graduate of the University of Southern California with a B.A. in History. Health advocacy became a core part of her college experience as she struggled with PTSD and depression following a series of traumatic events and side-effects of psychiatric medicine.
Mahima led the mental health group Active Minds at USC from 2016-17. She recently attended the Mental Health America Annual Conference to learn about various policymaker, social work, medical, legal, and professional advocacy communities addressing mental health rights and services. She is dedicated to a lifelong commitment to bettering access to young adult health services and peer support networks, especially within the South Asian American community she was raised in. See full bio
Tabling Participants
- AIM for Mental HealthAIM's mission is to build a movement devoted to the mental health of youth by funding clinical research to find better treatments and cures, raising awareness, and improving access to effective treatments.
- Eric Cohen Student Health Center of USCThis link maps to a list of Health & Wellness resources. Be sure to check the other tabs for information on counseling and other services.
- Keck School of Medicine - Peer Support GroupLinks to services on mental & emotional health, physical health, social & community health, as well as spiritual, academic, and financial health.
- Mindful USCMindful USC offers ongoing training, practice groups, faculty workshops, media resources, research, and special events to encourage meditative practice for faculty, staff, and students at USC.
- PolarisTeen CenterPolaris is a residential teen treatment center located in Los Angeles, California. They provide adolescents with a safe haven for recovery, growth and healing. Utilizing both evidence-based and experiential treatments, the diverse, clinically trained staff is able to treat teens and their families for lasting recovery.
- Rosewood CenterRosewood Center is an Eating Disorder center that provides full continuum of care for all stages of eating disorder treatment and recovery for adults and adolescents.
- Saks Institute for Mental Health Law, Policy, and EthicsA think tank founded to foster interdisciplinary and collaborative research among scholars and policymakers around issues of mental illness and mental health.
- The Healing Process at USCThis bi-annual magazine compiles the creative work of undergraduate students of all disciplines, medical students, residents, and faculty of USC, the Keck School of Medicine, and the USC-affiliated hospitals in order to explore health and well-being through art and literature.
- USC Graduate Student GovernmentUSC Graduate Student Government list of Resources for Students
- USC Human Resources - Center for Work and Family Life (CWFL)The Center provides a wide variety of services, including free and confidential counseling, to help employees maintain a balance between their professional and personal lives.
- USC Institute for Integrative HealthThe mission of the USC-IIH is to promote the health and healing of the individuals, families, and communities we serve through the advancement of the clinical practice of integrative health, the science upon which it is based, and the education of healthcare practitioners and the USC community.
- USC Office of Religious LifeUSC’s Office of Religious Life sponsors a variety of opportunities for exploring the spiritual dimensions of your life and learning.
- USC Occupational Therapy Faculty Practice - Lifestyle Redesign for the College StudentLifestyle Redesign is an innovative treatment approach that has been shown to improve health and wellness by preventing and managing chronic conditions through building healthier lifestyles. On campus health coaching is available for USC Students.
- USC Student Support & AdvocacyAssists students and families in resolving complex issues (personal, academic, or financial), which adversely affect a student’s academic success and/or collegiate experience.
Focus on the Positive
- Positive Psychiatry byPublication Date: 2015
- Mittelmark MB, Sagy S, Eriksson M, et al., editors. The Handbook of Salutogenesis [Internet]. Cham (CH): Springer; 2017."Salutogenesis refers to a scholarly orientation focusing attention on the study of the origins of health, contra the origins of disease". The link above will take you to Ch. 1. Click on the "Contents" drop down menu to access other chapters.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also referred to as "talk therapy", is the treatment of mental disorder by psychological rather than medical means.
- Understanding Psychotherapy and How it WorksAmerican Psychological Association's introduction to psychotherapy.
Mindfulness
- MindfulnessPeer-reviewed journal that examine the latest research findings and best practices in mindfulness.
- MINDFUL USC - Class ScheduleMINDFUL USC offers ongoing training, practice groups, faculty workshops, media resources, research, and special events. Free classes are available for USC faculty, staff and students.
Integrative Approaches / CAM
- Wellness Evidence - Evidence-Based Medicine Portal for Wellness TherapiesPortal designed to help people explore medical evidence for the most common wellness therapies/modalities; i.e. acupuncture, meditation, Tai Chi, exercise, and many more.
- Integrative Therapies in Rehabilitation: evidence for efficacy in therapy, prevention, and wellness byCall Number: Norris Medical Library, Upper Level, WB 320 I613 2017
- Health Promotion and Wellness byPublication Date: 2013
Exercise
Wellness for Diverse Popuations
- Outside the HouseIn this documentary Darnell Lamont Walker breaks down the barriers and stigmas when it comes to black people discussing their mental-health issues.
- The Choice of a Lifetime: Returning From the Brink of SuicideSix people, ages 21 to 73, share the circumstances that led them to the brink of suicide, what stopped them, and the different ways each found to transform and heal their lives. See related videos. Requires USC login.
- Determinants of Minority Mental Health and Wellness byPublication Date: 2008
Special Guests
USC Vice President of Civic Engagement
Earl C. Paysinger was appointed vice president of civic engagement on July 1, 2016, providing strategic leadership, development, and oversight for USC’s community outreach programs. As a long-serving member of the Los Angeles Police Department, Paysinger joined USC with strong familiarity with the university and the vital role it plays in Los Angeles and in the surrounding communities. Earl Paysinger brings neighborhood knowledge to USC Civic Engagement post
Allen Weiss, PhD
Meditation Instructor
Allen Weiss, PhD is a senior mindfulness meditation teacher at InsightLA in Los Angeles, the co-chair of Mindful USC, and also teaches mindfulness in companies. He started meditating in the mindfulness tradition in 2005 and in 2011 his Basics of Mindfulness class at InsightLA was noted the Best in Los Angeles by LA Magazine. He completed the Dedicated Practitioners Program (DPP) at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in 2008 and yearly attends 2 week meditation retreats. Weiss, A. (2017) Mindfulness Essentials (call number to be updated).
Therapy Dogs
Local, National, & Global Organizations
- Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education - ResourcesThe ACGME has created this page to share with programs, institutions, residents, and fellows resources that promote a culture of well-being and provide support for burnout, depression, or suicide.
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)This site contains links to many tools and resources on physician suicide and prevention strategies; includes links to literature, toolkits, films, and prevention programs.
- National Institute of Mental HealthThe lead federal agency for research on mental disorders.
- Mental Health.govU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Contains links to many resources as well as a Treatment Locator feature that can be searched by zip code to find local mental health services and resources.
- National Wellness InstituteMembership required, however website contains free access to podcasts and white papers under the "Resources" tab.
- NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental IllnessNation's largest grassroots mental health organization. USC has a NAMI chapter.
- American Psychological Association (APA)APAs Psychology Help Center is an online consumer resource featuring information related to psychological issues affecting your daily physical and emotional well-being. See their fact sheet series for more.
- American Psychiatric AssociationClick on the APA Sites dropdown to access a variety of resources; i.e. Learning Center, Workplace Mental Health
- HelpGuideSelf-help tools to empower readers to effectively deal with mental, emotional and social health challenges.
- Los Angeles LGBT Center - Mental Health ServicesThe L.A. LGBT Center offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy, as well as psychiatric care.
- L.A. County Department of Mental Health - Urgent Care CentersMental Health Services including brief crisis intervention, and short-term mental health interventions.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare SystemThe mental health service provides consultation, evaluation, and treatment for a variety of issues that can impact emotional well-being.
- Schwartz RoundsThe Schwartz Rounds™ program offers healthcare providers a regularly scheduled time during their fast-paced work lives to openly and honestly discuss the social and emotional issues they face in caring for patients and families.
- Rosewood CenterRosewood Center is an Eating Disorder center that provides full continuum of care for all stages of eating disorder treatment and recovery for adults and adolescents.
USC Organizations
- Eric Cohen Student Health Center of USCServes USC Health Science Campus students.
- USC Office for Wellness and Health Promotion (OWHP)Serves USC University Park Campus students.
- Be Well USCBe Well USC is supported by the Eric Cohen Student Health Center.
- USC Support and AdvocacyAssists in resolving complex problems involving multiple departments. Link to campus resources for diverse groups.
- USC Office of Religious LifeThe Office sponsors campus programs with a moral, religious or spiritual focus. It co-sponsors events with other university units and partnerships of student religious groups.
- USC Human Resources DivisionThe Center for Work and Family Life (CWFL) offers free counseling to employees.
- USC Institute for Integrative HealthCheck the various tabs for different education resources, lectures, and activities.
- Keck Office of Student AffairsOffers students individualized support as students and emerging professionals. Provide programs and services that promote intellectual/professional development, cultural/global experiences, and more.
- Keck Wellness ProgramKeck School of Medicine Wellness Program
- Keck School of Medicine - Student WellnessLinks to services on mental & emotional health, physical health, social & community health, as well as spiritual, academic, and financial health.
- Keck Peer SupportPresentation slides of services and contact information.
- USC National Alliance on Mental IllnessUSC NAMI chapter. Host community meetings, awareness campaigns, and engage in community outreach to break down stigmas surrounding mental health.
- Active Minds at USCUPC based social club focused on raising awareness and fighting against stigmas via therapies, group activities, exercises, and peer support. This link goes to the national website. USC Contact: Tina Vuong tinavuon@usc.edu
- USC CARE WorkshopsWellness Advocates from the Office for Wellness and Health Promotion are available to lead CARE Workshops with student groups focused on personal and community well-being.
- Lifestyle Redesign for the College StudentOne-on-one coaching for students by USC Chan occupational therapists. The program promotes mental health across campus by empowering students to recognize the connection between their day-to-day lifestyle choices and their overall wellbeing.
- The Haven at USCA peer-led residential community, that offers recovery support services, live-in staff, and social activities for students who are committed to staying in school while learning to lead a sober lifestyle.
- MindfulUSCThis link goes to online guided meditations. Click on the "Classes" or "Mindful USC - Online" links to sign up for more comprehensive courses.
USC Mental Health Awareness Month - October 2017
USC HSC Mental Health - March 2018
Resource Guides Created by USC Organizations
- USC Center for Work & Family Life - Solutions from A-ZList of resources on hundreds of topics, ranging from abuse to wellness.
- USC University Student Government (USG) Mental Health Resource GuideMany other campus resources can be found on the USG guide.
- KSOM Mental & Emotional Health ResourcesLink to an online self-screening and many resources on mental and emotional health. Requires USC login.
Peer Support
- USC CARE WorkshopsWellness Advocates from the Office for Wellness and Health Promotion are available to lead CARE Workshops with student groups focused on personal and community well-being.
- Keck Peer SupportPresentation slides of services and contact information.
- Schwartz RoundsThe Schwartz Rounds™ program offers healthcare providers a regularly scheduled time to openly and honestly discuss the social and emotional issues they face in caring for patients and families.
Held quarterly from 12-1 PM at the IPT County Hospital tower, Conference Room A. Lunch is provided. Medical students are highly encouraged to come and listen or share their own stories.
2017 dates: March 15, May 17, July 13, Sept 20, Nov 14.
Mobile Apps
- HeadspaceUSC sponsored meditation app. Use code CCUSC1Y to create a free account and start meditating. Requires USC credentials in addition to code.
- Breathe2RelaxBy National Center for Telehealth & Technology. This app can be used as a stand-alone stress reduction tool, or can be used in tandem with clinical care directed by a healthcare worker.
- T2 Mood TrackerBy National Center for Telehealth & Technology. T2 Mood Tracker allows users to monitor their moods on six pre-loaded scales (anxiety, stress, depression, brain injury, post-traumatic stress, general well-being). Custom scales can also be built.
- Chronic Pain Tracker19 different health modules that allow you to capture, aggregate, and analyze information for a variety of pain levels.
- Anxiety and Depression Association of AmericaReviews of mental health apps by professionals in the healthcare field.
- Self-help for Anxiety Management (SAM)SAM is an app that offers a range of self-help methods for people to who want to learn how to their anxiety.
- Stop Panic & Anxiety Self-HelpThe info in this app assumes that the user is suffering from panic attacks due to Panic Disorder.
- Recovery Box (Substance Abuse)Created for accountability, recoveryBox is designed to work with any addiction: drugs, gambling, alcohol, or customize for your own needs.
Special thanks to Audrey Ham,PhD, for her compilation of useful healthcare apps that can be used to supplement professional care.
Artistic Endeavors
- The Healing Process at USCThis bi-annual magazine compiles the creative work of undergraduate students of all disciplines, medical students, residents, and faculty of USC, the Keck School of Medicine, and the USC-affiliated hospitals in order to explore health and well-being through art and literature.
- USC Synaesthesia MagazineThis USC HSC biannual publication features the narratives of future healthcare professionals through creative visual or literary mediums.