Keeping your brain healthy, both physically and emotionally, was the focus of this four-part series of online lectures presented by the UW Retirement Association and supported by the Garvey Institute for Brain Health Solutions. All four sessions, featuring experts from our department, were recorded and can be viewed online using the links below.

Brain Health 101
Our underlying biology, our learned coping mechanisms, and our access to social support and health care all affect our experience with stress and trauma and their effects on our physical and mental health. Jürgen Unützer, MD, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, explores brain wellness, cognitive aging, and brain resilience, as well as steps that our department is taking to close the gaps in providing effective care to those with “broken” brains and those affected by substance use disorder. Watch the recording

Looking Forward to Getting Older
Stephen Thielke, MD, MS, a clinician and researcher specializing in geropsychiatry, helps us understand the psychological changes that occur during later adulthood, the complex ways that mental health is interwoven with chronic illness, and ways to improve mental health for older adults. Watch the recording

Promoting Mental Health Among Older Adults
Many older adults who make use of senior center programs and services experience heightened levels of depression yet remain underserved. Learn how “Do More, Feel Better,” a program created by a team of UW researchers led by Patrick Raue, PhD, uses evidence-based depression self-management strategies to support older adults in the community. Watch the recording

Family and Caregiver Support
We know from decades of research that effective family and caregiver involvement in a patient’s treatment supports patient recovery, improves social connections, and decreases mental health crises. It also improves family and caregiver well-being and can lead to lower healthcare utilization and costs. Despite their desire to help, many caregivers lack the education, skills, or access to resources to step into this critical, unpaid role. Mollie Forrester, MSW, will talk about the importance of family and caregiver involvement in a loved one’s mental health care and how our new Family and Caregiver Training and Support (FACTS) Program can help. Watch the recording