CHI - Mercy Hospital Valley City

Depression can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. Be on the lookout for the following warning signs: anxiety changes in sleeping patterns drinking more alcohol than usual feelings of worthlessness, guilt, hopelessness, or sadness frequent crying episodes fatigue fluctuations in weight unrelated to diet and exercise indecisiveness little interest in favorite activities mood swings, especially variations from extremely high to low moods—a common indicator of bipolar disorder poor concentration restlessness spending unusual amounts of time online unexplained physical symptoms, such as muscle aches and pains, frequent headaches, and stomach pain withdrawal or isolation from friends and family members Keep in mind this list isn't all- inclusive—depression affects people in different ways. Watch for any behaviors that seem out of the ordinary, and encourage friends and family members who seem depressed to talk about their feelings and to seek help. Suicide is preventable. Our joint goal along with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is to reduce the number of suicides in the United States by 20 percent by 2025, and with your support, we believe this goal is achievable. DEBBIE ANDERSON, MS, LPC, NCC, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SERVICES AT CHI MERCY HEALTH STARTING THE CONVERSATION Though you may feel uncomfortable talking about suicide, doing so is vital if you fear a friend or family member is struggling with depression. If a loved one expresses a desire to die or says that he or she is considering suicide, take these sentiments seriously. "So many people believe that those who say they are contemplating suicide are trying to get attention," says Debbie Anderson, MS, LPC, NCC, Director of Social and Behavioral Services at CHI Mercy Health. "I always tell community members that people don't joke about suicide—if they bring it up, they need to talk to someone. Stay calm and try not to be judgmental. If you don't feel comfortable talking with them, be honest and help them nd a resource." If you feel a loved one needs immediate help, call 211, a national resource that can provide counseling and dispense local counselors and emergency personnel, or drive your loved one to the nearest hospital or police station. A PLACE TO FIND HOPE At CHI Mercy Health, we are dedicated to intervening before an at-risk individual has the chance to commit suicide. Our Wellness in the Valley program oers a network of supportive services and provides educational resources, assistance with referrals to mental health professionals, counseling, and emergency intervention as needed. Through the program, many community members, pastors, healthcare professionals, and school personnel have completed applied suicide intervention skills training and are equipped to counsel people who have attempted or are contemplating suicide. "We have lots of people who can help de-escalate these situations," Debbie says. "We really strive to make suicide prevention and intervention achievable for all North Dakotans." If you or someone you love needs information about depression screenings, Wellness in the Valley, and other behavioral health services available at CHI Mercy Health, call (701) 845-6436 or ask your physician. Join Us! On October 10, CHI Mercy Health will host the seventh annual Out of the Darkness community walk at Valley City State University. The 5K race, which is sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, helps raise funds for our Wellness in the Valley mental health program, educational materials, support group and applied suicide intervention skills training, and other Barnes County community awareness programs. To register for the walk or learn more about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, visit www.afsp.org/walk. Recognizing the Signs of Depression www.mercyhospitalvalleycity.org /// CATHOLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES 3

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