It's a Code You! Mental Health Support for Those Working in Healthcare
37 episodes Last Updated: May 01, 25
It’s a Code You: Mental Health Support for Those Working in Healthcare was created by Dartmouth Health employees for the healthcare community. Whether you work as an executive, in facilities management, in dietary services or a nurse in the ICU this podcast is for you. It’s a Code You! will cover topics related to mental health, relationships, parenting and topics that impact your daily lives. You can expect support, resources and pertinent information shared by mental health professionals. Our podcast is meant to be consumed by those who are busy and need information efficiently so you can expect our episodes will be 30 minutes or less.
In this podcast, we strive to always use inclusive and respectful language. However, we recognize that everyone experiences the world through their own unique lens. Words, phrases, and topics that seem benign to some may carry unintended connotations or evoke discomfort for others based on their life experiences and perspectives. Please know that in exploring sensitive or controversial issues, our intent is never to diminish anyone's experiences, invalidate their viewpoint, or make light of their struggles.
Some of the topics we cover may by their very nature cause discomfort for some listeners. We believe leaning into that discomfort is often necessary for growth and expanding our understanding. Our aim is to create a space for respectful dialogue and the open exchange of ideas, even when those conversations may be challenging. We encourage you to engage thoughtfully with the material, considering perspectives that may differ from your own.
If you ever feel we have fallen short of these intentions, please let us know. Listener feedback is extremely valuable as we strive to foster nuanced, constructive conversations. We are committed to continuously improving and value your input.
We’re so excited to be sharing this with all of you.
Episodes
May 01, 2025
Medication Management 101
Hello and welcome to It’s a Code You! For May and June, we are focusing on Mental Health Awareness, as May is Mental Health Awareness Month. For this episode, we are going to be looking at the medication side of mental health. Joining us today is Casey Williams, Casey Williams is a psychiatric nurse practitioner who has been specializing in psychiatry since 2016. She has worked in a number of different environments from inpatient psychiatry, outpatient, medical/psychiatry and has practiced in treating individuals across the entire lifespan. She currently works on our DHBHS team doing medication management for our employees, and she also works on the Lebanon campus doing psychiatric consults in emergency medicine as well. Her specific clinical interest is ADHD.
May 01, 2025
Therapy 101
In this episode of It's a Code You!, we are going to be talking about therapy. If you've never been to therapy but you're wondering what it's like, or maybe you're preparing for your first therapy appointment, this episode is for you. We'll talk about general mental health information and give you an idea of what to expect during your first session, as well as things you should keep in mind as you meet your new therapist and build a relationship. If you have any questions, feedback or concerns please reach out to us at dhbhs.media@hitchcock.org Sources: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/facts https://www.dulyhealthandcare.com/health-topic/debunking-8-myths-about-seeking-mental-health-therapy https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-right-mindset/202005/10-common-myths-about-therapy https://cdclr.hdfs.vt.edu/faq-items/ive-never-been-to-therapy-or-counseling-before-what-should-i-expect-for-the-first-appointment/ https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/psychotherapy-professionals
Apr 30, 2025
Work-Life Balance for Healthcare Workers
In closing out our theme of Finding Balance in an Unbalanced World for March and April, on this episode of It's a Code You! we will talk about how you can find some work-life balance if you're a healthcare worker. Healthcare is a high-stress environment, and without balance, you can feel burned out and overly stressed. We'll give you some real actionable ways to gain some balance. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please reach out to us at dhbhs.media@hitchcock.org. Sources: How to Create a Positive Work-Life Balance for Healthcare Workers https://hrforhealth.com/blog/work-life-balance#:~:text=Regular%20breaks%20and%20adequate%20time,off%2Dhours%20helps%20prevent%20burnout. https://bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-022-01831-7 https://www.healthcare-management-degree.net/list-articles/five-ways-healthcare-workers-can-maintain-a-healthy-work-life-balance/ https://ldnetwork.org/blog/the-importance-of-positive-work-life-balance-for-healthcare-professionals/
Apr 15, 2025
Reducing the Risk of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Content Warning This episode will cover sensitive content that may be triggering or upsetting. Please be mindful of your own experience and life in deciding if this episode is for you. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, so for the first episode in April on It's a Code You!, we will be reposting an episode from last April where we will go in-depth in talking about how you can reduce the risk of childhood sexual abuse. Over 90% of children who are sexually abused are abused by someone their parents know and trust. There are ways that you can be more aware, speak up when something makes you uncomfortable, and even follow guidelines for community and school activities that can help to reduce risk. Resources: National Sexual Violence Resource Center www.nsvrc.org
Mar 31, 2025
Balance in Communication: Be a Better Listener
In staying with our theme of Finding Balance in an Unbalanced World for March and April, in this episode of It's a Code You!, we will be talking about how you can be a better listener in your relationships, which will give your communication more balance. We will go through the idea of balance in communication and then we will provide you with skills that you can start using today. If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please reach out to us at dhbhs.media@hitchcock.org Sources: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stronger-bonds/202501/how-couples-communication-influences-relationship-quality?msockid=125787599faa68d606de93119e866921 https://ascensioncounseling.com/the-art-of-equilibrium-balancing-talking-and-listening-in-your-relationship#:~:text=Balanced%20communication%20leads%20to%20greater,happier%20and%20more%20fulfilling%20partnership. https://asana.com/resources/effective-communication-workplace
Mar 14, 2025
Skill Building: Catch It, Check It, Change It
On this episode of It's a Code You!, we will be talking about the skill of "Catch It, Check It, Change It". This is a tool that can be used to catch distorted or unhealthy thinking and change it to something more balanced and accurate. This tool is something that's used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that can be helpful in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms. If you have any questions, concerns or feedback please reach out to us at dhbhs.media@hitchcock.org. Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279297/ https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognitive-behavior-therapy-2795747 https://sacredsoulinsight.com/mastering-the-three-cs-of-cbt-catch-it-check-it-and-change-it/ Resources: https://thinkcbt.com/images/CATCH_CHECK_CHANGE_EXERCISE.pdf
Feb 28, 2025
Mindfulness for the Anxious Brain
On this episode of, It's a Code YOU!, we will be talking about using the concept of mindfulness when you have an anxious brain. Anxiety is something that most of us experience at some point in our lives. Mindfulness offers us a way to step out of that whirlwind and notice our thoughts without becoming entangled. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback please email us at dhbhs.media@hitchcock.org Sources Barrett, L. F. (2017). How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Berk, L., & Tan, S. (2006). The Neurochemistry of Laughter and Humor. Medical Hypotheses, 67(1), 636-640. Hofmann, S. G., et al. (2010). "The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses." Cognitive Therapy and Research. Hölzel, B. K., et al. (2011). Mindfulness Practice Leads to Increases in Regional Brain Gray Matter Density. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 191(1), 36-43. Levine, P. A., & Frederick, A. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books. Ogden, P., Minton, K., & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the Body: A Sensorimotor Approach to Psychotherapy. Norton & Company. https://www.mindful.org/make-peace-with-your-anxious-brain/ https://www.mindfulleader.org/blog/32176-effective-methods-to-soothe-an https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-mindfulness-stress-relief-with-laughter-is-no-joke/ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-somatic-therapy-202307072951
Feb 14, 2025
Skill Building: Self-Compassion
In this episode of It's a Code You!, we will be teaching the concept of self-compassion. Self-compassion is something that when practiced can increase feelings of self-worth, help to decrease negative self-talk and decrease symptoms of anxiety. We will talk to you about the concept, the benefits and teach you real ways you can start practicing it today. If you have any questions, comments or feedback please reach out to us at dhbhs.media@hitchcock.org Resources: Self-Compassion Test: https://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-test/ Self-Compassion Practices: https://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-practices/ Self-Compassion Meditations and Resources: https://www.tarabrach.com/compassion-others-self/ Sources: https://selfcompassion.web.unc.edu/what-is-self-compassion/the-three-components-of-self-compassion/ https://self-compassion.org https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4351754/#:~:text=Self%2Dcompassion%20was%20found%20to,Neff%20%26%20McGehee%2C%202010). https://www.health.harvard.edu/mental-health/4-ways-to-boost-your-self-compassion
Jan 31, 2025
What is Guided Meditation?
In this episode of It's a Code You!, we will be speaking with Stephanie Chesnut, LMFT about guided meditation, the benefits, how you can do it, and then we will listen to a 5 minute guided meditation that Stephanie recorded and talk about how the experience was for each of us. Places to find guided meditations: Calm YouTube
Jan 15, 2025
What is Mindfulness?
For the first two months of 2025, here at DHBHS we are focusing on concepts related to mindfulness. Research shows that those who practice daily mindfulness have lower stress levels and can have better emotional regulation. In this episode of, It's a Code You!, we will dive into mindfulness, what is it, why is it good for us and then how do you actually practice it. If you have any feedback, questions or comments, please email us at dhbhs.media@hitchcock.org. Sources: https://www.mindful.org/training-the-brains-of-warriors/ https://www.healthline.com/health/mind-body/what-is-mindfulness#benefits https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness https://positivepsychology.com/journaling-for-mindfulness/ https://thewellnesssociety.org/free-body-scan-meditation-script-pdf/ https://www.apa.org/topics/mindfulness/meditation https://www.mindful.org/three-daily-mindfulness-practices-for-healthcare-workers/