Unplugging to Recharge: Mental Health Tips for a Balanced Digital World

Unplugging to Recharge

Let’s face it, the digital age is a double-edged sword.  The internet connects us, informs us, and entertains us, but it can also be a source of overwhelm and anxiety.  The constant barrage of information, the carefully curated feeds, and the pressure to stay “connected” can leave us feeling drained and disconnected from ourselves. 

Here are some tips to navigate the digital world with a healthy dose of zen:

Taming the Tech Tiger: Taking Control of Screen Time

  • Embrace the Power of “Off”: Schedule regular digital detoxes. Turn off notifications, silence your phone, and dedicate time to be truly present in the real world.
  • Be Mindful of Your Consumption: Track your screen time and set limits. There are apps that can help you monitor usage and even set boundaries.
  • Replace Scrolling with Something Soulful: Swap mindless scrolling for activities that nourish your mind and spirit. Read a book, take a walk in nature, or practice mindfulness exercises.

Social Media Savvy: Using Platforms for Positivity

  • Curate Your Feed with Care: Unfollow accounts that make you feel anxious or inadequate. Surround yourself with positive, inspiring content that uplifts you.
  • Focus on Real Connections: Social media can be a great tool for staying in touch with loved ones, but don’t let it replace face-to-face interactions. Make time for meaningful conversations and offline gatherings.
  • Practice “Comparison is the Thief of Joy”: Social media often showcases the highlight reels of people’s lives. Don’t compare your behind-the-scenes reality to someone else’s carefully curated feed.

Digital Detox for the Mind: Apps and Tools for Well-Being

Technology can actually be a powerful ally in promoting mental well-being. Here are some resources to explore:

  • Mindfulness Apps: Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer offer guided meditations and mindfulness exercises to help manage stress and anxiety.
  • Gratitude Apps: Apps like Happier and Grateful allow you to document things you’re grateful for, fostering a positive outlook.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Apps: Apps like Moodrise and Pacifica provide tools and techniques based on CBT principles to help manage negative thoughts and emotions.

Remember: These are just a few suggestions. Find tools and approaches that resonate with you!

The Digital Detox Effect: Reclaiming Your Inner Peace

By setting boundaries with technology, you create space for activities that truly nourish you. This can lead to:

  • Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Taking a break from the constant stimulation of the digital world can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels.
  • Improved Sleep: The blue light emitted from screens can disrupt sleep patterns. Limiting screen time before bed can lead to deeper, more restful sleep.
  • Enhanced Focus and Productivity: Constant distractions from notifications and social media can hinder your ability to focus. Taking digital breaks can boost your ability to concentrate and get things done.

Greater Self-Awareness: Stepping away from the digital world allows you to reconnect with yourself, your thoughts, and your feelings.

The Takeaway: A Balanced Approach

The digital world isn’t inherently bad. It’s all about finding a healthy balance. By setting boundaries, utilizing technology for good, and prioritizing your mental well-being, you can navigate the online landscape with more peace and purpose. Remember, you are the master of your digital domain, not the other way around. 

So, take a deep breath, put down your phone, and step into the sunshine (or moonlight, if you’re a night owl)!

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Dr. Cory Zeller, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Dr. Cory Zeller, DNP, PMHNP-BC

As a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and board certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, my goal is to provide safe, effective, and inclusive care to individuals throughout the Pacific Northwest.

With a decade of nursing experience in emergency medicine and psychiatry, my treatment approach prioritizes therapeutic listening and individualized medication management that considers the ‘whole picture.’ I believe that mental health care is most effective when it honors the whole person, fostering not only symptom relief but also a deeper connection to the relationships, activities, and passions that bring us joy.

Prior to joining the team at UpWell Psychiatry, I was the lead practitioner of an esketamine (Spravato) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) clinic treating individuals with severe, treatment-resistant mental health conditions.

I believe strongly in the power of community in supporting mental wellness, and enjoy working with neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals. Whether you are seeking support for a specific challenge or simply looking to cultivate greater balance and well-being in your life, I’d be glad to partner with you on your mental health journey!

Specialties: Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, ADHD, Integrative Psychiatry, LGBTQIA+ Mental Health, Mental Health Practitioners and Medical Providers.

Serves: Oregon & Washington

Dr. Lenore Baker, PMHNP

Dr. Lenore Baker, PMHNP

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Doctor of Nursing Practice with over 18 years of experience in healthcare. I provide thoughtful, personalized psychiatric care for people 18 and over.

My clinical background includes working in a high-risk psychiatric program, where I supported individuals with complex mental health needs through intensive, coordinated care. I have experience in perinatal care, helping patients through pregnancy, loss, and growing into new parents during parenthood and the postpartum time.

In addition to my clinical work, I’m involved in mental health research and innovation through the University of Oregon.

My approach is collaborative, practical, and whole-person focused. With training in integrative care, I incorporate evidence-based medication management alongside attention to sleep, nutrition, and lifestyle factors. Together, we’ll create a plan that aligns with your goals. I strive to create a space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered in your mental health journey.

Specialties: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Perceptual Disturbances/Extraordinary experiences, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder.

Serves: Oregon & Washington

Bukayo Akinyemi, PMHNP

Bukayo Akinyemi, PMHNP

Hello! My name is Bukayo and I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who believes mental health care should feel collaborative, practical, and tailored to you — not one-size-fits-all.

I’ve been partnering with clients in mental health for almost a decade mostly working in community mental health settings including street medicine, crisis and urgent care settings. I have experience and enjoy working with both young people and adults, especially during times that feel overwhelming or uncertain.

My approach is straightforward and supportive: I take time to really understand what’s going on, explain options clearly, and work with you to find what actually helps. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, heard, and empowered to make meaningful progress. Looking forward to partnering with you!

Specialties: ADHD, PTSD and Complex Trauma, Severe anxiety & agoraphobia, Mood disorders, Teens and Young Adults.

Serves: Oregon & Washington

Dr. Katharine Frissora, PMHNP

Dr. Katharine Frissora, PMHNP

I am a doctorally prepared Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with 15 years of healthcare experience. I aim to promote holistic mental health by partnering with you to create healing and wellness.

I have enjoyed practicing in a variety of settings across several states. My past experience includes assessment and treatment of patients in inpatient and emergency settings, caring for patients with severe mental illness in community health, directing and developing post-graduate training programs for nurse practitioners, and serving as faculty for a school of medicine.

I use an integrative psychiatry approach to better understand the underlying cause of symptoms and support you in your mental health. Integrative psychiatry is an individualized approach that combines both functional medicine and traditional psychiatry to determine and treat the source of imbalances that are impacting your health.

I recognize the inherent relationship between the mind and body and may recommend supplements, lifestyle changes, therapies, and/or prescribe medication. Using empathy, education, humor, and sincerity I work with you to develop a treatment plan to help you reach your goals and meet your specific needs.

Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Sleep, PTSD, Integrative Psychiatry.

Serves: Oregon & Washington

Heidi Pollard-Hermann, PMHNP, PMH-C

Heidi Pollard-Hermann, PMHNP, PMH-C

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who supports individuals through life’s most transformative — and often tender — seasons. My clinical work is shaped by over 15 years in maternal-child health nursing and a foundation in anti-trafficking advocacy. These experiences offer me an inclusive, trauma-responsive lens and a deep commitment to caring for the whole person.

My approach is collaborative, warm, and rooted in social justice. I strive to create a therapeutic space that is relational and attuned to the intersections of identity, community, and ecological belonging.

I believe healing often happens through a constellation of care — multiple touchpoints that come together to support wellbeing. Medication can be one of those touchpoints, easing symptoms and supporting greater functioning. I offer evidence-based options for both prescribing and deprescribing psychotropic medications, always aligning with your values and goals.

My practice is guided by deep listening, curiosity, and respect for each person’s lived experience. I take a strengths-based, culturally humble approach and hold strong trust in each person’s capacity for resilience and transformation.

Specialties: Birth trauma & loss, Climate-related distress and ecological grief, Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, Psychedelic integration, Spiritual transitions, Substance use and recovery.

Serves: Oregon & Washington

Megan Sapp, PMHNP, CNM, FNP

Megan Sapp, PMHNP, CNM, FNP

Megan brings nearly 20 years of experience caring for women and families as a Certified Nurse Midwife. She is also a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, giving her a uniquely integrated understanding of the biological, hormonal, and emotional factors that influence mental health across the reproductive lifespan.

She is a gifted educator who has a knack for translating research into clinical practice and has conducted trainings for organizations big and small around perinatal psychiatry.

Specialties: Reproductive & Perinatal Psychiatry

Serves: Oregon & Washington

Melinda Anello, PMHNP

Melinda Anello, PMHNP

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I am passionate about caring for people. With over 17 years of experience in nursing, I have sat with people through all stages of life, and currently work with both teens and adults to help them find their best path forward.

I am dedicated to providing a safe environment infused with kindness, empathy, and humor. I currently work with those struggling with depression/mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, ADHD and OCD. I have an additional certification as a Perinatal Mental Health specialist, and unique experience to support those dealing with premenstrual or menopausal distress, those planning for pregnancy or post-partum, as well as those struggling with pregnancy loss, abortion or birth trauma — whether first hand, or vicariously in your supportive work.

By working collaboratively and utilizing evidence-based practices as our guide, we can explore your unique experience of the world and carve out a path to healing and wellness. I believe that we all have the innate ability to heal, and there are many paths to mental wellness. We can create a treatment plan that incorporates not only medication but also meaningful elements such as movement, nutrition, supportive therapy, and complementary and alternative medicines.

Specialties: Most mental health concerns, with a special interest in depression and anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum.

Serves: Oregon & Washington

Dr. Carrie Anderson, PMHNP

Dr. Carrie Anderson, PMHNP

As a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am dedicated to providing contextualized whole-person mental health care that considers the many factors — genetic, social, environmental, and cultural — that contribute to someone’s overall health picture.

My approach is collaborative, evidence-informed, and patient-centered. I partner with my clients in shared decision-making and deeply value the foundational importance of trust, safety, and human connection in a therapeutic relationship.

I come from a background of acute care hospital nursing, where I worked as a nurse on many types of units, from rural critical access emergency rooms in Oregon to large urban hospital in-patient units in Louisiana. I have clinical experience in outpatient mental health care at a rural community health center, a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy clinic, and at a university campus counseling and psychiatry center.

Specialties: Mood/Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, Teens & Young Adults, LGBTQIA+, Integrative Psychiatry.

Serves: Oregon & Washington

Logan Prior, PMHNP

Logan Prior, PMHNP

Hi, I’m Logan, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with nearly a decade of experience in healthcare, and the last two years specializing in psychiatric care. At UpWell, I’m committed to providing high-quality psychiatric care, medication management, and therapeutic services with a compassionate touch.

My journey in mental health care is deeply personal. Having faced my own mental health challenges and supported loved ones through theirs, I understand firsthand the importance of empathy and understanding in treatment. This personal insight fuels my approach to care, especially for clients in the neuro-diverse community.

I believe in creating a safe, supportive environment for those who may have had negative experiences with healthcare in the past. My goal is to offer a unique, compassionate approach to mental health care that encourages and supports every individual on their path to wellness.

With a deep personal connection to the challenges of ADHD, depression, and PTSD, I aim to empower you with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to overcome obstacles and build the brighter future that you deserve.

Specialties: ADHD, ASD, Veterans and First Responders, PTSD, Depression.

Serves: Oregon & Washington

Shannon La Douce, PMHNP

Shannon La Douce, PMHNP

As a mom and Army Veteran, I am passionate about supporting those who have dedicated their lives to service (of all types!). I am adept at working with the ‘givers’ — the folks who are often over-extending to those around them.

I am committed to creating a safe and judgment-free space for you to finally be the one that receives support. Whether you’re a veteran navigating the challenges of post-service life, a healthcare provider managing the pressures of the field, a mom juggling the demands of parenthood, or the friend who everyone turns to, I am here to partner with you to give YOU the support you deserve.

My decade of nursing experience spans across every chapter of life, from labor and delivery to end of life and cancer care. I value working as a client-provider team to develop treatment plans that incorporate motivational interviewing, psychoeducation, medication management, therapy, movement, nutrition, and building self-esteem and self-confidence.

I believe my clients know themselves and their needs best, and I enjoy guiding others towards identifying their own power and strengths and helping them access it.

Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, First-Responder/Military Veterans/Healthcare Workers, Teens & Young Adults.

Serves: Oregon & Washington

Robin Secrist, PMH-C

Robin Secrist, PMH-C

Robin Secrist is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 13 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care. With specialized certification in perinatal mental health (PMH-C), she is dedicated to supporting individuals and families through preconception planning, pregnancy, postpartum, and the emotional transitions of parenthood.

Robin specializes in treating perinatal depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma-related disorders, and other psychiatric concerns. She provides thoughtful guidance around psychiatric medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding, emphasizing individualized care, shared decision-making, and collaboration with other members of a patient’s care team. Her background includes inpatient, outpatient, and hospital-based psychiatric care at the University of Colorado and the Medical University of South Carolina. She also has experience in interventional psychiatry, including TMS.

Robin recognizes that pregnancy and parenthood do not always unfold as expected and that there is no single right way to build a family. With a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental approach, she strives to help patients feel understood, supported, and empowered to make decisions that are right for themselves and their families.

Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Trauma-Related Disorders, and other Psychiatric Concerns.

Serves: Oregon & Washington

Dr. Kelly Aldinger, PMHNP, MSW

Dr. Kelly Aldinger, PMHNP, MSW

Founder · Psychiatric NP