When we learn to upload positivity to our brain and love our life for what we have and not dwell on what we don’t have, combating clinical depression or coping with life’s certain hurdles can be less difficult.


jor events or external things to “make us happy”, we can find whatever we choose that makes us feel good. I tell people ev- ery day the small things make me happy: a new pen, watching the leaves turn col- ors, lighting a good-smelling candle in my house, and the best one for me — fresh, clean sheets on my bed — mmmm!!! When we learn to upload pos- itivity to our brain and love our life for what we have and not dwell on what we don’t have, combating clinical depres- sion or coping with life’s certain hurdles can be less difficult. Q: How can people have a positive mental outlook when the holidays are over? A: Being mindful of what you DO have


to be thankful for — whether it’s your fa- vorite family member that makes family gatherings bearable, getting off work early, or the promise of a new year and fresh beginnings. Realizing that the holidays do end and having a daily atti- tude of gratitude can help. Q: What is seasonal affective disor-


der?


A: Seasonal affective disorder is a subtype of major depressive disorder that comes and goes based on seasons. Symptoms of seasonal affective disor- der (SAD) are similar to the symptoms of major depressive disorder; however, they begin and end at about the same time every year. Symptoms specific to the winter-onset of SAD may include oversleeping, changes in appetite (espe- cially craving foods high in carbohy- drates), weight gain and tiredness. Symptoms specific of summer-onset SAD include weight loss, agitation and anger, insomnia and poor appetite. The most common times are from late fall through the winter months. The symp- toms usually go away during the sunnier days of spring and summer. Q: How is seasonal affective disor- der managed? A: Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), medica-


Jodi Leeker, program director at Baxter Regional Medical Center’s Adult Behavior Health Center says winter blues are very real. But not to worry there are number of things people can do stave off those melancholy feelings. KEVIN PIEPER/FOR LIVING WELL


tion management and psychotherapy. Baxter Regional Behavioral Health offers all three treatment options to our pa- tients during their stay.


Q: What should people do if they cannot manage their symptoms on their own?


A: If someone finds they are unable to


manage their symptoms, please seek professional help. A mental health pro- fessional can link you with resources or services that would best suit your need. You may also go to your primary care physician who can provide you the ap- propriate direction in which to meet your needs. The level of care depends on the severity of the symptoms being pre- sented.


Q: What services are offered at the


Hensley Senior Behavioral Health Center and the newly opened Adult Behavioral Health Center? A: Hensley Senior Behavioral Health


offers psychiatric care for senior pa- tients, generally age 55 and older, who are experiencing changes and chal- lenges with emotional and behavioral health. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, depression and


anxiety may be associated with the ag- ing process. This geriatric unit is a 19- bed, secure inpatient facility on the sixth floor of BRMC. Most recently, BRMC opened the new


Adult Behavioral Health Center for peo- ple age 18 and older. It is a 16-bed, secure unit located on third floor of the hospi- tal. We offer behavioral health care, medication management and individual and group therapy, as well as compre- hensive, treatment-oriented activities to help all patients develop health-cop- ing skills to achieve mental health sta- bility. Most importantly, our staff will help patients set up a plan for outpatient and post-discharge services to continue their stability. Referrals can come from physicians, health care professionals, nursing facil- ities, family members, and even self-re- ferrals. Our adult population must enter through the emergency department and be deemed medically stable before be- ing accepted into the center. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues, call (870) 508- 6400 or (870) 508-3400 and a trained professional will help you.


LIVING WELL ❚ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 ❚ 7


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