Mental Health Part I – Nutrition and Mental Health: A Holistic Approach

Date: May 18, 2024

Category: Health & Wellness → Mental Health Education

Participants:

  • Moderator- 
    • Dr. Carolyn Rowley (Executive Director & Founder, Cayenne Wellness Center)
  • Guest Speaker- 
    • Dr. Claudine Matthews (Registered Dietitian, UK-based, PhD in nutrition and sickle cell disease)
    • Shirley Powell (Doctor of Naturopathy, long-term sickle cell advocate and wellness coach)

Description: Part I of CWC’s Mental Health miniSeminar links mental health, patient activation, and nutrition for people living with SCD. After opening remarks, Dr. Matthews walks through the activation model (Seek, Transform, Aspire) and 10 activation steps (e.g., be informed, be prepared, be engaged, be brave, be decisive). She then covers nutrition for brain health (complex carbohydrates; essential fatty acids/omega-3s; amino acids—tryptophan; vitamins/minerals with a “five-a-day” approach; and hydration), plus general healthy-eating guidance (Healthy Eating Plate principles, sleep, blood sugar balance, gut–brain link, limiting caffeine/alcohol). Ms. Powell closes with actionable “tips & tools for triumph”—meal-prep routines, rainbow-produce habits, crockpot/rice-cooker hacks, restaurant swaps, travel packing lists, Clean 15/Dirty Dozen produce guidance, reading PLU codes, and stretching a tight budget—then Q&A (including considerations for low-potassium diets). Attendees are reminded to complete the post-session survey.

Key Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Name common mental-health challenges in SCD (stress, anxiety, depression, low mood, fatigue) and how they affect activation and daily choices.
  • Apply the “Seek → Transform → Aspire” activation model and the 10 activation steps to create a personal behavior-change roadmap.
  • Build a Self-Heal Plan that integrates nutrition with daily action (intentions, reminders, support network, accountability).
  • Identify five nutrition pillars for brain/mental health and give 2–3 food examples for each (complex carbs/whole grains; healthy fats/omega-3s; protein/tryptophan sources; varied fruits/vegetables for vitamins & minerals; water/hydration targets).
  • Use practical strategies for success: meal-prep & budgeting tactics, restaurant/travel swaps, Clean 15/Dirty Dozen, PLU codes, and hydration planning—while adapting for special needs (e.g., low-potassium guidance in consultation with clinicians).
  • Recognize triggers and supports beyond food (sleep hygiene, caffeine/alcohol moderation, mindfulness, physical activity) and when to escalate care.

Course Content