The CALM Program at UC Berkeley

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The CALM Program at UC Berkeley

The CALM Program at UC Berkeley is dedicated to conducting research on bipolar disorder and emotion-related impulsivity.

08/17/2026

🎙️ What does meal timing have to do with bipolar disorder?

Dr. Sheri L. Johnson, Director of the Cal Mania (CALM) Program, joins Clément Baissat of HopeStage to explore the science behind eating patterns, mood, and bipolar disorder. Watch the teaser, then check out the full podcast! 🧠🎧

08/14/2026

🗣️ Join us on August 19th for Creativity, Moods, and Mania with Dr. Sheri L. Johnson as she explores the fascinating connection between mood, creativity, and bipolar disorder. This talk will explore research on how positive and negative moods affect creativity, evidence linking bipolar disorder with higher creativity, and the lives of creative figures such as Virginia Woolf and Vincent van Gogh. We’ll also examine why these connections may exist and whether bipolar medications influence creativity.

Purchase tickets through the link in our bio!
https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/alameda-creativity-moods-mania

📍 Profs and Pints Alameda

08/12/2026

Cyclothymia is often misunderstood, but it can have a real impact on a person's daily life and well-being 💚

This post covers what cyclothymia is, common signs and symptoms, how it's diagnosed, treatment options, and ways to find support. Whether you're learning for yourself or someone you care about, we hope this information helps raise awareness and encourages understanding.

Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and support is available.

08/10/2026

🧠 Webinar Spotlight: Anhedonia & Motivation in Bipolar Disorder
Join Dr. Sheri L. Johnson, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley and director of the CALM Program, for a discussion on anhedonia, motivation, and how they can change over time in bipolar disorder, along with practical strategies for navigating these challenges.

🔗 https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pWR1Jkq9QOuC1mRawv9FgA #/registration

This webinar is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

08/07/2026

Caregiver fatigue is more common than many people realize, and taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for someone else. 💙

Remember: asking for help, taking breaks, and prioritizing your well-being are signs of strength, not weakness.

Save this post for yourself or share it with someone who may need the reminder 🤍

Sources: Yale New Haven Health (2025) & Johns Hopkins Medicine, Called to Care®

08/03/2026

Happy National Wellness Month!

Wellness isn't about having the perfect routine. It's about making small, intentional choices that support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

May this be your reminder to slow down, check in with yourself, and prioritize the care you deserve 💙

07/24/2026

🥗 Eating well doesn't have to mean following strict diets or cutting out your favorite foods. It’s about building habits that nourish your body and fit your lifestyle. Small, consistent choices can make a big difference over time 💚

Everyone's nutritional needs are different, so focus on progress over perfection and choose what works best for you.

💬 Which healthy eating tip has helped you the most? Share it in the comments!

Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical or nutrition advice.

07/22/2026

Happy International Self-Care Day!

Self-care isn't just about treating yourself—it's about supporting your physical and mental well-being through the small habits you practice every day. Whether it's getting enough sleep, moving your body, connecting with others, taking a break, or asking for support, self-care looks different for everyone. This International Self-Care Day, remember that even small steps can make a meaningful difference over time.

What's one way you'll practice self-care today?

07/20/2026

What role might nutrition and meal timing play in mental health? 🥗🕖

Our Healthy Lifestyles for Bipolar Disorder study explores how two eating approaches (the Mediterranean Diet and Eating by the Clock) may influence mood, sleep, circadian rhythms, and overall wellbeing in people living with bipolar disorder.

Through this research, we hope to better understand the connections between lifestyle, nutrition, and mental health.

07/17/2026

Two papers, one research project: How are bipolar disorder and creativity connected? 🎨🧠

Our director, Dr. Sheri Johnson, collaborated with researchers at The University of Hong Kong and The University of British Columbia on two complementary studies examining creativity and bipolar disorder.

The first study examined contributors to creative accomplishment among 113 writers and visual artists in Hong Kong, including 44 participants with bipolar disorder and 69 participants without it. Using questionnaires and laboratory-based tasks, researchers found that high ambition was an important contributor to creative accomplishment, particularly when combined with a willingness to persevere despite high effort. These relationships did not differ based on bipolar disorder diagnosis. The study was the first to examine these mechanisms among people with and without bipolar disorder in an Asian cultural context.

The second study followed 10 women in Hong Kong recovering from bipolar disorder over nine months as they documented their creative processes through painting and expressive writing. Participants described how mood fluctuations influenced creativity over time. Some reported bursts of inspiration and increased output during hypomanic periods, while some described heightened perception during depressive periods. Participants also said that creative expression supported self-understanding and meaning-making, while sharing their work—particularly online—helped foster connection, motivation and confidence.

Read both papers linked below:
• ps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40364996/
• ps://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12888-026-08232-5*

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2121 Berkeley Way
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94720

Website

https://calm.berkeley.edu/?source_tag=facebook

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