Walnut Creek Psychiatry

02/20/2026

✨ Mind & Body Matter: Nutrition for Brain Health ✨

Our brains benefit from intentional care… and one powerful way to support cognition and clarity is through what we eat. This article highlights foods that may help support brain health during perimenopause — a time when many experience symptoms like brain fog and memory shifts. Research suggests that certain eating patterns — rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seafood, and legumes — are associated with reduced inflammation and long-term cognitive wellbeing.

Nutrition is a foundation you can build on — especially when combined with stress management, sleep, movement, and support. Healthy habits matter at every stage of life, including the transitions that affect our brains.

👉 Read more from the Food Network to explore how mindful eating can be a part of your brain-healthy toolkit: https://bit.ly/4qJxTo8

Brain fog and memory issues are common complains.

02/18/2026

It’s National Random Acts of Kindness Day — and Random Acts of Kindness Week — and this year’s theme says it beautifully: Love Out Loud.

There has rarely been a more important time to remember this truth: we are connected in ways we cannot always see, but we can always feel.

🫶🏼 Kindness isn’t naïve. It’s neurological. It’s biological. It’s powerful.

When we express love or gratitude, the brain releases oxytocin — often called the bonding hormone — which strengthens trust, lowers stress, and helps regulate the nervous system. Acts of kindness also activate reward centers in the brain, increasing serotonin and dopamine, which elevate mood and reinforce connection.

🫶🏼 In other words, kindness isn’t “soft.” It’s science. And it works.

In a world that can feel fast and overwhelming, kindness steadies us. It strengthens communities from the inside out. It reminds us of something essential: we don’t have to agree on everything to recognize one another’s humanity.

🫶🏼 This week, look for small ways to love out loud. A note. A check-in. A moment of patience.

02/16/2026

Are you rested on this Mindful Monday?

You go to bed earlier.
You try to “prioritize” sleep.
Maybe you even sneak in a nap.

And yet… you’re still exhausted.

Here’s something we don’t talk about enough: feeling truly rested is about more than physical sleep. There are different types of rest — and you might be low on one you haven’t considered.

If you’re feeling drained, gently ask yourself what you actually need:

🪻Mental rest — When was the last time you gave your mind a pause? Even a few minutes of deep breathing or quiet reflection can help.

🪻Sensory rest — Have you stepped away from screens, notifications, and noise lately? Silence is powerful.

🪻Social rest — Are your interactions energizing or depleting you? You may need quality connection… or permission to say no.

Today, notice what kind of rest your body and mind are asking for — and see if you can honor it.

02/15/2026

The way you speak to yourself matters. 🫶🏼

Your brain is always listening — especially to the quiet, repetitive thoughts you have throughout the day. Over time, those thoughts shape how you feel, how you respond to stress, and what you believe is possible for you.

Positive thinking isn’t about ignoring reality or forcing it. It’s about gently challenging your inner critic and choosing thoughts that are supportive instead of defeating.

Today, notice how you’re speaking to yourself. And if you can, choose words that build you up.

02/14/2026

Cards, flowers, and chocolates are sweet gestures. But what most of us truly need isn’t wrapped in a bow.

♥️ We want to feel seen.
♥️ We want to feel supported.
♥️ We want to know we’re not alone.

Real connection isn’t about grand gestures — it’s about presence. A thoughtful check-in. A steady hand. A reminder that someone cares.

However you choose to celebrate today, we hope you experience the kind of love that makes you feel understood and supported.

02/14/2026

Question ☑️
What is Genetic Testing, and who is it for?

Answer ☑️
Genesight is a simple cheek-swab genetic test that helps guide medication selection. It’s especially useful for people who have tried multiple medications without success or struggled with side effects. While not required, it can give us valuable insight to help optimize your treatment plan. 🧬

02/11/2026

Truly, some inner wisdom 🫶🏼 We're so glad to hear that you feel heard & respected here! At Walnut Creek Psychiatry, we're deeply committed to providing you with exceptional care & helping you achieve your best mental wellness. 🤗 Thanks for sharing!

02/10/2026

Careful... every time you say “yes” to something, you might be saying “no” to yourself. And over time, that’s a fast track to burnout.

We’re taught to show up for everyone else first. But your well-being matters, too. You can’t pour from an empty cup — or help others if you’re running on fumes.

Before you automatically say “yes,” try pausing and checking in:

🥾 Do I want to say yes, or do I feel like I have to?
🥾 Do I actually have the time & energy to show up?
🥾 What am I afraid might happen if I say no?

Setting boundaries isn’t selfish — it’s supportive. For you and for the people who rely on you. Sometimes “no” is the healthiest word we can say.

02/08/2026

🫶🏼 Pet adoption is SO rewarding & the best self-care 🫶🏼

It's Super Bowl Day! 🏈 The Today Show introduces us to some sweet kittens and puppies looking for a fur-ever home. Watch the pups face off in a showdown to predict which team will win: https://bit.ly/3MgFaNV!

To encourage pet adoption, animal activist Beth Stern joins TODAY to introduce some sweet kittens and puppies looking for a fur-ever home. Then, the pups fac...

02/07/2026

We do so much to help kids feel calm and cared for — limiting screen time, creating cozy routines, building spaces where they can reset... but adults need that, too!

“Calm corners” are small, intentional, tech-free spaces that offer a moment of stillness in the middle of busy, overwhelming days — and they’re just as helpful for grown-ups.

Think soft light. A comfy chair. A blanket. A book. A few quiet minutes to breathe.

Read more about calm corners and why they work — for all ages: https://bit.ly/46xytxS

A calm corner isn’t just for kids. Find out how to a calm corner for adults and why therapists say this soothing setup can support mindfulness, balance, and more regulated emotions.

02/06/2026

Question ☑️
How do Spravato® and IV Ketamine Treatments help?

Answer ☑️
For adults with treatment-resistant depression, these options can offer relief when traditional medications haven’t been effective. Sessions are conducted in a safe, supportive, medically supervised environment, and patients are monitored throughout. Many find these treatments help “break through” long-standing symptoms. 🌅

02/05/2026

At Walnut Creek Psychiatry, we offer GeneSight® genetic testing and analyze how your unique genetic makeup affects the way your body may respond to certain medications commonly used for conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more. We gather DNA that gives us insights into how medications might work for you—including how your body metabolizes them and which ones may be more effective or easier to tolerate.

Why it matters:
🧬 A more personalized approach to medication selection
🧬 Less time adjusting medications
🧬 Greater potential for relief and fewer unwanted side effects
🧬 Support for your overall mental wellness journey

Understanding your genes can help us tailor treatment more thoughtfully and effectively. If you’ve struggled with medication response in the past, genetic testing could be a valuable next step. Visit: walnutcreekpsych.com/genesight to learn more.