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Staff Highlight: Carlyle Bruce, PhD

August 27, 2021
A screenshot from a video featuring Carlyle Bruce, PhD

Learn more about Carlyle Bruce, Ph.D., Director of Psychological Services and family therapist at the Skyland Trail adult residential treatment program. How long have you been at Skyland Trail? “I have been at Skyland for 10 years.” What made you want to go into the mental health field? “I really enjoyed talking to others, and—though…

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Staff Highlight: Adam Meadows, MD

February 26, 2021
a photo and graphic of Skyland Trail psychiatrist Adam Meadows, MD.

Take a few moments to learn more about Skyland Trail psychiatrist, Adam Meadows, MD. Dr. Adam Meadows is a board-certified psychiatrist whose clinical interests include mood disorders, adult ADHD, and mental health concerns affecting college and graduate students. Dr. Meadows previously served as the medical director of psychiatry and behavioral health for WellStar Health System…

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The Brain and the Body: How Mental Health and Physical Health Are Connected

February 9, 2021
a graphic showing the brain and dna

In order to fully understand how to best treat mental illness, we must first understand the factors that can cause mental illness, specifically the balance between nature and nurture. It’s important to remember that psychiatric conditions are medical problems that deserve the same kind of attention, research, and treatment as any physical ailment. What Causes…

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How Can Self-Care Support Mental Health?

January 30, 2020
self-care

Taking care of yourself—both physically and mentally—is an important part of overall wellness. The idea of self-care has grown in popularity in recent years, filling social media timelines and news feeds with tips and tricks. Self-care activities can be great tools for anyone looking to manage stress, be more aware of their feelings and emotions,…

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Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

December 19, 2019
Teen with OCD washing hands at sink

In psychiatry, OCD is sometimes referred to as “the great imitator” because the behaviors of someone with OCD can look like symptoms of many other disorders. Psychiatric evaluation by a mental health professional is a crucial first step to ensure patients with OCD receive an accurate diagnosis and are matched with an evidence-based treatment plan. OCD is a chronic illness. By engaging in evidence-based mental health treatment, individuals with OCD can control the symptoms and manage the associated disability.

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Smoking, Vaping and Mental Health

November 13, 2019
woman in mental health treatment breaking cigarette

Skyland Trail has joined a small group of residential psychiatric treatment organizations that are leading the field in integrating nicotine and tobacco cessation with behavioral health treatment and will contribute to a growing body of evidence and best practices for helping clients simultaneously learn to manage psychiatric symptoms and adopt skills and strategies for long-term health and wellness.

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Accepting Reality Using DBT Skills

October 28, 2019
radical acceptance shown as chutes and ladders board game

DBT teaches that the only way to end suffering, which occurs as a result of pain and non-acceptance, is to accept reality and face the pain head on. Learn three reality acceptance skills that can help individuals find respite from suffering.

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Sensory Body Awareness Skills to Reduce Distress Through DBT

September 20, 2019
Woman lying on back practicing DBT skill sensory body awareness

Sensory Body Awareness is a DBT skill for distress tolerance. Learn how to use practices like paired muscle relaxation, half smiling, and willing hands to navigate stressful situations or intense emotional pain.

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Survive a Crisis Situation with DBT Distress Tolerance Skills

August 26, 2019
a woman reading a book with a cup of tea

Learn how to use DBT skills like the STOP Skill, Pros and Cons, Wise Mind ACCEPTS, TIPP, IMPROVE the Moment to weather overwhelming situations or intense emotional or physical pain.

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The Pharmacology of Antidepressant Medications

July 31, 2019
antidepressant medications smiley face

Evidence-based psychiatric treatment relies on trust between physicians and their clients to find the best solutions possible for dealing with mental illness. Clients should be receptive to medications that can improve mood and quality of life while their doctors make a medication choice based on the client’s personal history, diagnosis, and lifestyle that has the…

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