Mood & Food
About Mood & Food
Food fuels both body and mind. We eat nutritious foods so that our bodies can grow, repair, and function well. Our brain needs nutritious foods too. In fact, the brain accounts for around 20%of our total daily energy requirements. Following a healthy pattern of eating is linked with better stress management, improved sleep quality, increased concentration, and better mental wellbeing in general.
This program may be suitable for you if:
- You feel sluggish and tired and this contributes to your mental health
- You are wanting to explore ways to make healthier food choices to improve your overall mental health and wellbeing
- You use food to help yourself feel better in times of distress
- You would like to understand more around how diet impacts your mental health
- You would like practical support on meal prepping and reading labels
Program content
The program covers:
- Stages of change
- Eating attitudes & behaviours
- Meal prepping
- Reducing sugar cravings
- Understanding gluten free
- Links between mental & physical health
- Foundations of nutrition
- Understanding the gut microbiome & the gut-brain axis
- Reading food labels & food expenses
- The microbiota and inflammation
- Foods to eat for a mood boost
- Processed v's unprocessed foods
- Diet and neuroplasticity
- The importance of serotonin
- Stress and the gut-brain connection
What you will experience
Attend a pre-program assessment prior to commencing the program. The aim is to consider goals & discuss details of the program. You will participate group sessions with 8-10 participants. The group is led by qualified mental health trained professionals who will support the learning practical skills & evidence-based strategies. It includes learning new skills & practicing during & between sessions as part of weekly homework which are discussed.
Treatment objectives
Objective 1
Understand your relationship with food.
Objective 2
Understand the biology of the gut and the gut-brain connection.
Objective 3
Provide practical support on reading food labels, meal prepping and ways to embrace a healthy lifestyle.
Objective 4
Understand the relationship between physical health and mental health.
Objective 5
Understand the foundations of nutrition.
What's included
Education
To develop or refine new skills and strategies.
Workbooks
To guide you though education, reflection and exercises designed to tackle your symptoms.
How to get started
Individuals interested in attending this program will need a referral from a Psychiatrist with admission rights to Townsville Private Clinic. Please discuss the group with your treating psychiatrist or contact the Townsville Private Clinic Admissions & Assessment team on 1800 884 767.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will find this program helpful?
The Mood & Food program may be useful for individuals diagnosed with mood disorder and who would like to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of food and nutrition on their mental health and looking for ways to improve their nutrition.
How much dose it cost?
You will be admitted as a day patient and as such, can claim the cost via your private health fund. All health funds have different rules. Please check with Townsville Private Clinic Day Program administration, who will advise you of any applicable out-of-pocket excess or gap costs that you will incur. Townsville Private Clinic is also an accredited NDIS provided, as such you may utilise NDIS funding to cover the costs of the program.
When does this treatment start, and how long does it take?
The Mood & Food Program is a 6 week program. It is held once a week. Each session runs from 8:45am until 2:30pm. Morning tea and lunch is provided. Please confirm days and group commencement dates with Day Program Administration staff.
