Faith Regional Health Services | living WELL | Spring 2018

FRHS.ORG 5 Maybe those feelings are depression You’re not yourself—you know that much. You’re moody and sadder than usual, and you’re just not enjoying life. Could you have depression? That’s a crucial question. Depression is highly treat- able, often with medicine, talk therapy or other therapies. And getting help early can often keep depression from getting worse and lasting a long time. You can feel normal and enjoy life once again. So if there’s any chance you’re depressed, talk to your doctor. Here’s a look at common warning signs. You: •  Cry easily or for no reason. •  Feel guilty or worthless. •  Feel sad, numb or hopeless. •  Feel very tired all the time. •  Are restless and easily annoyed. •  Lose interest in things you once enjoyed. •  Eat more—or less—than usual. •  Sleep too much or have problems sleeping. •  Have trouble paying at- tention, recalling things or making decisions. •  Have aches and pains that don’t get better with treatment. •  Have thoughts of suicide. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; America Psychiatric Association If you or somebody you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Faith Regional’s Behavioral Health inpatient program provides adults (age 19 and older) with acute psychi- atric illnesses a safe and structured environment that offers compassion and hope. The unit’s multi-disciplinary team includes psychiatrists, advanced care practitioners, nurses, techs, therapists, and social workers who work with each patient to formulate an individualized treatment plan. Your partner in mental health “Our philosophy of care in mental health is ‘it’s your life,’” says Nathan Herman, MD, Medical Director of Faith Regional’s Behavioral Health Inpatient Services. “You should be in control. Our role is really to be a partner, to serve as advisors, and help people get back to living their lives in a way that’s rich and meaningful.” Interventions are designed to provide patients with practical tools to manage their symptoms, improve their coping abilities, and help improve problem- solving skills. In order to reduce future hospitalizations, the care team works toward identifying and coordinating community resource support and aftercare services to assist each patient in meeting their goals. Faith Regional’s BHU treats both voluntary and involuntary patients. In addition, Faith Regional Physician Services Psychiatry offers outpatient care for adults and adolescents includ- ing medication management and therapy.