Dear Perspective Group Member,

Dear Perspective Group Member,

        Thank you for choosing UnityPoint Health’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to meet your brain health needs. Taking the necessary steps to receive treatment for brain health takes courage and strength. The treatment team for the IOP welcomes you and will work hard to meet your needs and ensure your concerns are addressed. Since you are awaiting your start date, we have organized a list of resources for you to utilize. Please use any or all and feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

 Iowa Helpline:  For immediate support in a crisis or more information on Mental Health you can contact the Iowa Helpline via text, phone call, online chat, and app support.  https://iowahelpline.org/  Call or text 1-855-800-1239

Free Mobile and Tablet Apps

●        VirtualHopeBox-  This is an app designed for individuals struggling with depression and anxiety. The four main features include sections for distraction, inspiration, relaxation, and coping skills. It includes games, relaxation techniques, and offers suggestions for activities that reduce stress.

●        Simple Habit-  This is a meditation App with a wide selection of guided meditation chosen for your life and situation. Studies show that just a five-minute daily medication will reduce stress and improve focus. The meditation sessions from Simple Habit are guided by some of the world’s best teachers.

●        Self-Help for Anxiety Management (SAM)-  This provides users with a symptom tracker, educational articles and external links, relaxation techniques, and additional coping skills and practice for managing anxiety. SAM also includes a “Social Cloud,” a closed social networking function that allows SAM users to share experiences, suggestions, and support.

●        OAK-  This provides mindful meditations, sleep meditations, as well as unguided sessions and breathing exercises. Individualize your meditations by duration and customize with silence or calming background sounds. Oak tracks your progress and encourages you to continue building a healthy meditation practice.

●        MY3-  This app helps you define your network and your plan to stay safe. Be prepared to help yourself and reach out to others when you are having thoughts of suicide. MY3 can help you get through your most difficult times. Who are your 3? Is it your sister? Your therapist? Maybe even a neighbor down the street? MY3 is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play,

Websites that might interest you:

·         https://www.namidubuque.org/

·         https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being

·         www.nowmattersnow.org -  3-minute videos taught by peers with lived experiences

YOUTUBE & TED TALKS on Mental Health

·         Depression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-IR48Mb3W0

·         Chronic Stress/Anxiety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuyPuH9ojCE&t=117s

·         Stress and Memory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyg7lcU4g8E

·         Bipolar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrWBhVlD1H8

·         The psychology of post-traumatic stress disorder https://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-psychology-of-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-joelle-maletis

·         Brene Brown on Blame  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZWf2_2L2v8

·         Vulnerability with Brene Brown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwFN6r7Y_Sg

·         The Power of Mindfulness: What You Practice Grows Stronger by Shauna Shapiro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeblJdB2-Vo&vl=en

Netflix Shows/Documentaries to watch:

1.   The Mind, Explained - Ever wonder what's happening inside your head? From dreaming to anxiety disorders, discover how your brain works with this illuminating series.

Recommended episodes:

   ·         The Mind, Explained: Dreams 

   ·         The Mind, Explained: Memory

   ·         The Mind, Explained: Anxiety 

   ·         The Mind, Explained: Mindfulness 

2. Brené Brown: The Call to Courage, With humor and empathy, Brené Brown discusses what it takes to choose courage over comfort in a culture defined by scarcity, fear, and uncertainty.
2019, 1h 16m, Documentary 

Podcasts that might interest you:

·         The Happiness Lab With Dr. Laurie Santos   https://www.happinesslab.fm/

·         Meditative Story  http://podcast.meditativestory.com/p/2

·         Inspirational Living: Life Lessons for Success & Happiness  https://podcast.livinghour.org/

Books that might interest you:

·         The Gifts of Imperfection By Brene’ Brown (Author has many other great books)

·         13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do By Amy Morin

·         Self-Compassion: The Proven Art of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff

·         Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques From EMDR by Francine Shapiro

We hope that the materials listed above will be helpful to you.  Please call if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

The Intensive Outpatient Treatment Team 

Please Note: This information is posted to be helpful in learning more about this topic and everyone interested in this topic is encouraged to do their own research if wanting more information. This information is not all-encompassing. However, is some information on this topic reported above. This is not a recommendation or direction to engage in this activity reported above.