Resources

Understanding Mind-Body Connections

We are people – body and mind rolled up into one. As such, it is impossible to separate mental and physical health and well being. Much of our functioning is bi-directional, with evidence of mental processes on physical health, and physiological function on psychological wellness. However, a deep separation is prevalent in Western medicine’s approach to wellness and care, in individuals and across systems.

The contributing role of physical wellness and consideration of biological factors is generally not considered in mental health approaches, either by physicians or psychologists. Access and approaches to mental health treatments are not delivered to the degree that physical health is supported. Pills are often prioritized over processes. And we as people, are experiencing distress.

If you share our interest in learning more about some of the underpinnings of interconnections and integrative approaches to wellbeing, suicide prevention, and resilience, here we share some of what we have been listening to, reading, and watching. And please contribute – share your suggestions and ideas with us here.

Books

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
by Bessel van der Kolk, MD

The Psychobiotic Revolution: Mood, Food, and the New Science of the Gut-Brain Connection by Scott C. Anderson, John F. Cryan, Ted Dinan

The Happiness Diet: A Nutritional Prescription for a Sharp Brain, Balanced Mood, and Lean, Energized Body by Tyler Graham, Drew Ramsey

Good Reasons for Bad Feelings: Insights from the Frontier of Evolutionary Psychiatry by Randolph M.Nesse

Academic Books for the Serious

The Neurobiological Basis of Suicide Edited by Yogesh Dwivedi

Medical Conditions Associated with Suicide Risk by Alan L. Berman, PhD, Maurizio Pompili, MD, PhD

Sleep and Health Edited by Michael Grandner, PhD

Podcasts

Huberman Lab podcast

Higher Practice podcast