ASK THE WELLNESS EXPERTS: DR. JOSEPH SHARPE
“COMPARED TO 2018, 2020 HAD A THREE TIMES INCREASE IN THE RATE OF DEPRESSION.”—DR. JOSEPH SHARPE
Dr. Sharpe is the Psychiatric Medical Director at Saint Thomas Midtown and West, as well as the Chief Medical Officer for the Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital. Dr. Sharpe shares with us about the rise of depression since Covid, and how we are all in this together.
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Q: Why is mental health such a critical component of overall health?
A: Good mental health is a way to strengthen your physical health because it lowers the overall activation of the cytokine cascade release in the body. Cytokines are your body's internal defense system which can be triggered by stress, depression, anxiety and insomnia.
Q: Any misconceptions about mental health you would like to clarify?
A: Yes, many people think that mental issues are for ‘other’ people. In fact, anyone can have struggles with anxiety, stress and mood. We are all the same, and have similar struggles. You are not alone, and everyone’s lives are touched by mental illness in some way.
Q: How has the COVID pandemic impacted mental health? Any changes you have observed in your practice and among your clients over the past year?
A: COVID-19 has greatly impacted the overall mental health of our society. Compared to 2018, 2020 had a three times increase in the rate of depression. A recent study shows that one-third of COVID-19 survivors are diagnosed with a psychiatric/neurologic disorder, or brain disease. Telepsychiatry has become much more common place. A divide has developed between individuals who believe in wearing a mask vs those who don’t, as well as those who want a vaccine and those who don’t. This has caused increased stress and discord in communities and even families. Everyone seems to be on edge.
Q. In what ways/direction do you see the mental health industry growing and evolving?
A: Today more than ever people are experiencing mental health issues. However, more and more people are willing to reach out and ask for help. Many are becoming open to the idea of personal things that they can do to improve their own mental health.
Q: How can Infrared sauna and floating serve people’s mental health goals?
A: Floating can seriously help individuals unplug not only from their busy lives but from the everyday distractions that have become commonplace. It is a way to let go and experience the removal of external stimuli and stressors, some of which are very subtle. The infrared sauna actively stimulates the body in a way that boosts its natural immune system.
Q: What do you do to bring balance into your life?
A: The three things that help to maintain balance in my life are 1. Good sleep hygiene (maintaining a healthy sleep/wake cycle) 2. Eating a healthy diet ( a diet that boosts the body's internal microbiome and decreases inflammation) 3. Regular exercise (3-4 days/week to help reduce anxiety and improve cognitive ability).
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: Mental health issues affect everyone. We are all together in this. Treatment of mental health issues should involve the biological, psychological and social aspects of human life where all modalities are used together in a combinatorial fashion to raise the bottom line. It is important to realize that a balanced life is not a finished product but rather a work in progress.
Joseph Sharpe, MD
Psychiatric Medical Director for Saint Thomas West and Midtown
CMO of Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital
Private practice adult psychiatrist
