Greenbrook's Virginia Regional Medical director, Dr. William Sauvé, was recently on 94.9 The Point. Dr. Sauvé was featured on Mike and Woo Woo in the Morning to discuss various topics surrounding COVID-19. During this interview, Dr. Sauvé emphasized the importance of seeking out "as much social support as you can" in order to help maintain mental health. Beyond texting or calling, Dr. Sauvé highlighted the utility of video conferencing, which "allows the opportunity to still commiserate and feel like we have those people that love us around us" even if we can't be in the same room with them.
During the interview, Dr. Sauvé and the hosts discussed how people are using social media differently than they used to before social distancing. Prior to COVID-19, many used social media as a way to pass the time without the need or desire for true engagement on the platforms. Now, with quarantine and stay-at-home orders in place, people are finding that social media does allow them to foster a sense of connection. Dr. Sauvé stresses that rather than scrolling through a feed without engaging, you can "let them [family and friends] know that you want to talk to that person specifically so that they can tell you about their life and how they are doing."
Dr. Sauvé also explained what TMS is and how it works. TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and is an FDA-cleared treatment that delivers magnetic stimulation to the parts of the brain known to be underactive in people with depression. Show host Mike brought up a point that we often hear from our patients as a point of frustration when it comes to treating depression, which is how "oftentimes you are jumping from medications to medications to find the right mixture to try to settle yourself into being in a good space." Mike went on to note that the need for social distancing and shelter-in-place orders during COVID-19 is making managing mental health a struggle for many, and asked Dr. Sauvé for any recommendations for coping with isolation and mental illness.
Dr. Sauvé recommends getting outside as much as possible, and advises that getting at least 15 minutes a day of sunshine by walking, biking, or running is sufficient to get your Vitamin D intake for the day. A side benefit of spending time outside-- getting to see other people while still following social distancing guidelines by waving or stopping to chat with a neighbor. To hear more from Dr. Sauvé, watch the full segments below!
Part One:
Part Two:
To see all upcoming Greenbrook TMS provider interviews, click here
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