Interventional Psychiatry: Tools Toward Achieving Full Remission of Depression

By Melissa Ayres|2023-08-14T11:43:10-07:00August 14th, 2023|

Despite decades of research, standard pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatments are not fully effective for many patients with psychiatric disorders. Many patients we see remain partially responsive or unresponsive to medication or are unable to tolerate their side effects. Many also experience less than full recovery from psychotherapy. Fortunately, we have several other options that are often effective for these patients. Bay Psychiatric Associates' Interventional Psychiatry Treatment-Resistant Depression Options

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The Importance of Good Sleep in One’s Mental Health

The Importance of Good Sleep in One’s Mental Health

By Melissa Ayres|2023-08-09T12:32:09-07:00August 9th, 2023|

Remember when our parents used to tell us “you grow in your sleep”? They were right. A lack of sleep early on can disrupt the level of hormones in our brain, resulting in growth problems. Good sleep should start when you are young, and at any age it is very important to get a good night’s sleep.

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TMS and Smoking Cessation

TMS and Smoking Cessation

By Melissa Ayres|2023-08-08T15:52:26-07:00May 6th, 2021|

Recently, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) was FDA-approved to aid in smoking cessation, based upon a randomized controlled trial comprised of 262 patients who met criteria for nicotine use disorder. At the end of that trial, the continuous quit rate was significantly higher for the active treatment group as compared to the placebo group. Moreover, for participants who weren’t able to fully quit, their daily tobacco usage measured in cigarettes per day was dramatically lower than the group that received placebo.

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Mental Health During COVID

By Melissa Ayres|2023-08-08T15:52:08-07:00February 1st, 2021|

As we move into the new year, buttressed by the promise of the vaccine and more effective COVID-19 treatments, we often wonder when our lives will return to “normal." During 2020, we witnessed many broad sweeping changes to our lives and routines. We've been forced, for better or worse, to develop new coping strategies to deal with these drastic changes.

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Cultivate a Healthy New Year Mindset

Cultivate a Healthy New Year Mindset

By jakegleason|2025-02-14T14:30:53-08:00January 2nd, 2021|

Sometimes it’s hard to find inspiration - especially when you’re down. Maybe the holidays left you feeling derailed from your normal routine. All of the shopping, late nights, and overeating can leave anyone feel like their hitting a major post-holiday slump this time of year.

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Calming a Busy Mind

By Melissa Ayres|2023-08-08T15:51:24-07:00September 16th, 2020|

Our bodies and minds have evolved over thousands of years to endure stress. Whether that is a threatening predator, extreme temperatures, starvation, or dehydration, our bodies are prepared to handle stress when it arises in our environment. However, the stress that we as humans experience today is significantly different but it manifests itself through the same hormonal processes. Our minds are under stress from work, school, relationships, and the constant stream of information coming from our phones. Learning how to better manage the psychological stresses of daily living helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and helps to boost the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions.

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BPA in the Era of COVID

BPA in the Era of COVID

By Melissa Ayres|2023-08-09T11:12:38-07:00August 6th, 2020|

Covid-19 continues to take a toll on large numbers of the population as cases increase in the Bay Area and across parts of the world. This pandemic has impacted our mental health, education, jobs, businesses, and the larger economy, causing an abundance of stress that we all hope will eventually abate.

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Words of Encouragement

Words of Encouragement

By Melissa Ayres|2023-08-16T12:41:06-07:00April 30th, 2020|

Boy oh boy, what a month April has been! Where do we go from here and how do we continue caring for ourselves during these difficult times? It’s up to you! While we are all self-isolating, your continued mental health should be your TOP priority. An important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Billions of people around the world are uniting in an effort to combat Covid-19 and you are one of them! Take comfort in the fact that humanity is in this together, and we will get through this together. Feeling like “the world is ending” is common, but does not contribute towards combating the virus or maintaining a strong state of mind. Maintaining your routine of care is vital for your overall health.

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Staying Positive, Connected, Active

Staying Positive, Connected, Active

By jakegleason|2025-02-14T14:25:22-08:00April 16th, 2020|

Clearly, our lives have changed. We are optimistic that our lives will return to a new normal with new experiences that have caused us all a level of pain, but also a level of growth. This blog is centered upon growth. We believe that growth comes by surrounding ourselves with positive input, being connected to others, and being active. Over the next few months, we update this blog with content, thoughts and ideas, and activities to allow each of us to stay positive, connected, and active

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Holistic Living

Holistic Living

By jakegleason|2023-08-16T12:42:14-07:00April 16th, 2020|

What does holistic living mean? Living a holistic lifestyle can be interpreted in many ways and can be unique to each person. Essentially, it means looking at oneself as a whole being, instead of compartmentalizing. Through this lens, there is an acknowledgement of interconnectedness of various facets of health: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Each blend with one another and affect us no matter how much we try to separate them. Holistic living brings balance and understanding of health from all perspectives. Yes, there are many misconceptions about holistic lifestyles; but when implemented you see that it is solely about living your best, fullest, most whole life.

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