Tony is joined by Dr. Carol Lewis, a community health expert who recently conducted a transformative workshop for the CIL staff. The session emphasized the importance of mental health and wellbeing, particularly for those who dedicate their lives to serving others. Dr. Lewis shares practical strategies for promoting mindfulness, healthy sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and social connections—practices that are accessible to everyone, anywhere, anytime. The conversation explores the mental health spectrum, offering insights into managing situational anxiety, depression, and stress. Dr. Lewis provides clinical explanations and actionable tools to help us all enhance our mental health and support the wellbeing of others in our communities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of mental health and discover practical ways to nurture it daily.

Dr. Carol Lewis is a clinical psychologist with 30 years of experience, specializing in the treatment of chronically suicidal and self-injurious individuals through skills-based and mindfulness approaches. She previously worked at UF Health Psychiatric Hospital and now serves in the UF Department of Psychiatry. With a Masters of Public Health and board certification in public health, Dr. Lewis focuses on evidence-based behavioral health treatments for underserved populations. Her research includes developing public health interventions for non-professionals, and she is a founding member of Peace4Gainesville, a trauma-responsive community initiative.

Episode Resources:

• https://psychiatry.ufl.edu/profile/lewis-carol/: carollewis@ufl.edu