DESCRIPTION
Depression has been a growing problem in the United States for decades. Recent data reports that the nation reached record levels of depression in 2023, and these trends have continued into 2024. During this same time, the use of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy has grown steadily. While both have been shown to be helpful interventions, they have not been sufficient to slow the growth in this potentially life-threatening condition.
A growing body of research has been focusing on modern western culture's impact on mental health disorders. Factors such as social isolation, sedentary work and leisure activities, impaired sleep, processed foods, time pressured work schedules and stress, and abuse of substances all contribute to the susceptibility to symptoms of depression. Research and clinical experience have also been demonstrating the benefits of regular exercise, exposure to full spectrum light, whole food diets, regular social engagement and support, connection to community, spending time in green spaces and near bodies of water, and avoidance of ruminative thinking. This webinar will examine these factors and the impact they can have as part of a comprehensive natural approach toward building robust mental health and overall wellbeing.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PRESENTERS
Philip Rainer, M.S.W., LCSW-R, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York. Mr. Rainer has many years of experience as a psychotherapist, behavioral health program manager, and senior leader in hospitals and community-based organizations serving people with mental health issues and substance use disorders. Mr. Rainer began to integrate natural interventions in his work with people early on, after recognizing that these choices were having a significant impact on the path of recovery and quality of life for those experiencing depression and other behavioral health concerns. As Mr. Rainer developed and supervised integrated behavioral health and primary care services, he became aware of the value of simple natural choices in the support of both physical and behavioral health and integrated them into treatment protocols. As a consultant with Advocates for Human Potential, Inc., Mr. Rainer has provided guidance nationally to health centers in the implementation of integrated behavioral health and primary care, including natural strategies for supporting overall health and well-being.
Xiomara Romero, M.S., LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. She has more than 14 years’ experience in the mental health field, including providing behavioral health services in an integrative behavioral health setting, counseling and psychological services at universities, and private practice. Ms. Romero has consulted with nonprofit organizations focused on providing services for cancer patients and their families and consulting with clinicians interested in going into private practice. She has worked with clients of all ages—children to adults—providing mental health services. Throughout her direct clinical practice in integrative settings, she witnessed the impact of limited access to natural approaches on mental and physical well-being. Through podcasting, she has enjoyed interviewing several holistic providers and learning about indigenous and ancestral forms of healing. Additionally, she has experience with group facilitation, presenting at conferences, and consulting. Ms. Romero is bilingual in English and Spanish, provides culturally responsive care, and is an advocate for underserved communities. She currently serves as a Senior Program Associate with Advocates for Human Potential, Inc., supporting several projects.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Behavioral health professionals and peer specialists working with individuals experiencing depression.
