Mental Wellness Task Force

The Lunch and Learn programs offered by the Mental Wellness Task Force of the University Senate’s Committee on Benefits and Welfare introduce faculty and staff to expert presenters from within our University who have experience and research knowledge about various facets of managing mental wellness. Here is the list of our past presenters:

Fall 2019

Dr. Greg Siegle, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, director of the University’s Program in Cognitive Affective Neuroscience, and an executive team member of the Mood Disorders Treatment and Research Program at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, presented a program titled "Worry and Rumination: Stories, Research, and Tips for Changing Your Thought Patterns."

University Times article about this presentation: Speaker to give tips for fighting endless ruminations

Video: Worry and Rumination

Spring 2019

Cynthia Rhodes Grindel, LSW, Life Solutions EAP Account Manager, presented a program titled "Compassion Fatigue: When You are Tired and Stressed from Helping."

University Times article about this presentation: Compassion fatigue focus of Mental Wellness Task Force

Additional resources through Life Solutions

Fall 2018

Dr. Ronald Glick, Medical Director at the UPMC Center for Integrative Medicine, presented a program titled “Non-Pharmaceutical Remedies for Mental Health.” Review his remarks.

University Times article about this presentation: Lifestyle Changes Complement Traditional Mental Health Treatments, Speaker Says

Video: Non-Pharmaceutical Remedies for Mental Health

Spring 2018

Dr. Christina Newhill, Professor in the School of Social Work and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, presented a program titled “Under Attack at Home or at Work: How to Respond to Hostility.”

University Times article about this presentation: Brown Bag Lunch Topic to Address Responding to Hostility

Video: Under Attack at Home or at Work: How to Respond to Hostility

Fall 2017

Attorney Matthew Marcello and Therapist Michelle Steimer presented a program titled “Calmer Conversations: How to Talk With Someone Who Is Experiencing Anxiety.”

University Times article about this presentation: Military Has Methods for Dealing with Stress

Video: Calmer Conversations: How to Talk With Someone Who Is Experiencing Anxiety

Spring 2017

Dr. Eva Szigethy, Professor of Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Medicine Advisor, UPMC Enterprises Director, Visceral Inflammation and Pain Center Division of Gastroenterology, presented a program titled “Using Your Brain to Control Your Gut.”

University Times article about this presentation: How to Use Your Brain to Control Your Gut

Video: Using Your Brain to Control Your Gut

Fall 2016 (and repeated in Spring 2017)

Dr. Kirk Erickson, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, presented a program titled “How to Maintain Your Aging Brain.”

University Times article about this presentation: Physical Activity Reduces the Risk of Cognitive Impairment, but How Does It Work?

Video: How to Maintain Your Aging Brain

Spring 2016

Dr. Crystal White, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, presented a program about depression.

University Times article about this presentation: Depression: Getting Help

Fall 2015

Dr. Kathryn Roecklein, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, presented a program about “Understanding and Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder.”

University Times article about this presentation: Winter Woes: Seasonal Depression Can Be Treated

Related paper: Seasonal Affective Disorder: An Overview and Update

Authority for UPMC Health Plan Coverage for Light Boxes

Tips from UPMC - Benefits of Light Boxes

Spring 2015

Dr. Bruce Rabin, Emeritus Professor of Pathology, retired Psychiatry Professor of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and retired Medical Director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Healthy Lifestyle Program, presented three workshops in which participants practiced stress management techniques: “Effects of Stress Hormones on Physical Health,” “Effects of Stress on the Brain,” and “Techniques for Buffering Stress.”

University Times article about these presentations: Stress and Mental Health: How You Can Combat Its Effects