UNC Psychiatry

03/06/2026

03/05/2026

Paternal perinatal depression affects an estimated 10 percent of new fathers during their partner’s pregnancy or the first year of the baby’s life. Men may have trouble sleeping, lose interest in favorite activities and feel that their family might be better off without them. Psychologist, Dr. Hubbard shares symptoms, risk factors and ways of getting help.

Male partners are also affected by these big changes.

03/04/2026

Male partners are also affected by these big changes.

03/04/2026

03/02/2026

🌸 March is Women’s Mental Health Awareness Month 🌸

This month shines a light on the unique psychological challenges women face — including higher rates of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Women’s mental health is shaped by many factors, from hormonal changes across the lifespan to caregiving responsibilities, trauma exposure, and societal inequities.

Awareness is just the beginning. Reducing stigma, increasing access to care, and creating supportive communities are essential steps toward lasting change.

At the UNC Center for Women's Mood Disorders , experts are dedicated to advancing research and providing evidence-based care for conditions such as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and mood changes during perimenopause. Their work supports women through critical transitions and life stages with compassion and clinical excellence.

Let’s use this month to listen, learn, and advocate. If you or someone you love is struggling, know that help is available — and seeking support is a sign of strength.

https://www.med.unc.edu/psych/wmd/

03/02/2026

Flavio Fröhlich created a noninvasive device that enables scientists to tune brainwaves’ strength, timing and synchronization to treat depression.

“The brain’s rhythmic patterns we’re deciphering are analogous to our experience of music and a musical piece’s evolution through synchronization and shared timing. We use music as a theoretical framework as we learn the brain’s language and as we develop novel treatments that instead of delivering simple stimulation waveforms and inputs to the brain, offer nuanced, more sophisticated individualized treatment,” Dr. Flavio Fröhlich said.

Flavio Fröhlich created a noninvasive device that enables scientists to tune brainwaves’ strength, timing and synchronization to treat depression.

03/02/2026

On World Teen Mental Wellness Day, we want to remind you that mental health conversations are critical in supporting teen mental health. 💙

Starting a conversation about mental health does not need to be uncomfortable, and it can make all the difference. 💬✨ For tips, visit seizetheawkward.org

03/02/2026

Welcome, Dr. Sarah Bahraini!

"I completed my psychiatry residency at UNC and am excited to be joining as a faculty member focusing primarily on outpatient care. I will be working in the general adult psychiatry clinic at Vilcom and in the Wake Encompass clinic providing specialty care to adolescents and young adults experiencing first-episode psychosis. I will also be involved in the education of psychiatry residents. My approach to care is collaborative and patient centered. I value partnering with patients to understand their personal goals, support recovery, strengthen resiliency, and enhance overall quality of life."

02/27/2026

On this Thank a Resident Day, we want to take a moment to recognize and sincerely thank you for the incredible work you do every day.

Your dedication to patient care, your compassion during some of the most vulnerable moments in people’s lives, and your commitment to learning and growth do not go unnoticed. Psychiatry requires not only clinical skill, but deep empathy, patience, and resilience — and you demonstrate these qualities daily.

02/26/2026

💜 It’s National Eating Disorders Awareness Week! 💜

Eating disorders affect every body — across ages, races, genders, and backgrounds — yet stigma, silence, and myths often keep people from getting the support they deserve. This week, we stand together to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and share hope and resources with those who are struggling and those who love them.

At the UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders, we are committed to advancing understanding, prevention, and treatment of eating disorders through clinical care, education, and research. Our multidisciplinary team works to:

✨ Provide compassionate, evidence-based care that is tailored to each individual’s unique journey.
✨ Train future clinicians and support healthcare providers to better detect and treat eating disorders.
✨ Conduct cutting-edge research to deepen our understanding of causes and improve outcomes for patients and families.

Eating disorders are serious but treatable — and no one has to face this alone. This , we honor every person affected, lift up voices of lived experience, and recommit to building a world where every body belongs and healing is possible. 💜

Pictured: Research specialist, Jessica Johnson working in the lab on the EDGI2 (Eating Disorders Genetic Initiative) Study

02/25/2026

“Law enforcement officers experience life-or-death situations daily,” eating disorder researcher and biobehavioral scientist Dr. Grace Wu says. “But we don’t talk about how that stress affects when they eat, what foods they choose, and how that impacts their cardiovascular health.”

“Emotional eating in response to anger and depression was associated with higher weight, blood pressure, and lipid profiles in law enforcement officers. Our ultimate goal is to add more tools to the toolbox for our health care system,” Wu says. “And to offer a new perspective, not just on cardiovascular health, but on obesity research as well.”

💜 UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders

Grace Wu is examining how job stress drives unhealthy eating and raises heart disease risks among North Carolina police officers.