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Self-Help Resources

Explore curated resources from experts and colleagues

The AAO Mental Wellness Task Force has curated a variety of self-help resources from reputable sources including experts, vetted smartphone apps and AAO member-recommended books and podcasts.

Well-Being Recorded Lecture Collection

A collection of lectures available for CE from Annual Session, Winter Conference and live webinars has been curated and made available at no charge for AAO members. The collection will grow as future lectures on relevant topics are recorded.

Strategies for improving mental well-being

People who are emotionally well, experts say, have fewer negative emotions and are able to bounce back from difficulties faster. This is called resilience.

Learn more from the National Institutes of Health

Everyone feels stressed from time to time. But if stress lasts a long time—a condition known as chronic stress— it becomes harmful.

Learn more from the National Institutes of Health

Sleep affects both mental and physical health. It’s vital to one’s well-being. Sleep helps one to think more clearly, have quicker reflexes and focus better.

Learn more from the National Institutes of Health

Social connections might help protect health and lengthen life. Scientists are finding that our links to others can have powerful effects on our health—both emotionally and physically.

Learn more from the National Institutes of Health

The death of a loved one can feel overwhelming, affecting how one feels, acts, and thinks. There are healthy ways to grieve.

Learn more from the National Institutes of Health

Studies suggest that focusing on the present can have a positive impact on health and well-being. Mindfulness-based treatments have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression. There’s also evidence that mindfulness can lower blood pressure and improve sleep. It may even help people cope with pain.

Learn more from the National Institutes of Health

Orthodontists are perfectionists by nature and obsess over any imperfection in every aspect of their lives.
Learn more from Anxiety Canada

Smartphone Apps

Mental wellness apps can be helpful, but they are not a cure-all. They remind users to practice self-care every day and some have been found to meaningfully reduce stress. Calm, a meditation, sleep and relaxation app available on smartphone app stores offers free and premium versions.

Member-Recommended Books and Podcasts

Check out the book and podcast recommendations from your colleagues and submit a recommendation below, if you’d like to. We’ve added an Amazon link for each book title and podcast links to the Apple App Store.

Book Recommendations

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Positive Intelligence
Author: Shirzad Chamine
I loved how this book has helped me unlock a greater true potential by using my mind in a more effective and happier way.
Recommended by: Dr. Anil Idiculla

Positive Intelligence
Author: Shirzad Chamine
I loved how this book has helped me unlock a greater true potential by using my mind in a more effective and happier way.
Recommended by: Dr. Anil Idiculla

The Power of Infinite Love and Gratitude
Author: Dr. Darren R Weissman
Podcast – Dr. Jim Fortin
Recommended by: Dr. Catherine Murphy

The War of Art
Author: Steven Pressfield
Recommended by: Dr. Catherine Murphy

Podcast Recommendations

Huberman Lab
Host: Andrew Huberman, PhD
This podcast is hosted by Andrew Huberman, PhD, a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford School of Medicine. Each episode is filled with fascinating information about how our brain-body connection works, with meaningful ways to improve your mental and physical health.
Recommended by: Dr. Kevin Kurtzner

Member Stories

Learn from the personal stories of AAO members who open up about their own mental wellness journeys.

In A Crisis?

Call or Text 998 or Chat @ 988lifeline.org. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.