Category: Clinical Category: Clinical (show less) Other: Washington Other: Washington (show less)

Many of us struggled with mental health during the pandemic, as did our Residents, patients, and clients. However, while mental illnesses and the medications used to treat them can often have an effect on weight and appetite, many clinicians do not feel fully knowledgeable to give recommendations to cope with these illnesses. We will work to learn more about these illnesses, how they can affect nutrition status, and what we can recommend to help. While the focus of this presentation is on the long-term care side, those working with people with mental health issues in other practice areas may also find this presentation helpful. 

Objectives: 

• Discuss the mental health diagnoses most often seen in practice 
• Identify the different nutrition challenges for those with mental health diagnoses 
• Describe options for nutrition interventions in this population