Sturgis Hospital

MENTAL HEALTH Sturgis Hospital, Inc. 916 Myrtle Avenue • Sturgis, MI 49091 This publication in no way seeks to serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. Talking More About If you're thinking about skipping your annual physical, you might want to reconsider. No one wants to go to the doctor— especially if they're not sick—but annual physicals can help you live longer and healthier. These simple tests help detect conditions that may not present symptoms or find problems before they become serious and more difficult to treat. If you haven't had your annual physical yet and your health insurance deductible resets or your flexible spending account expires on Jan. 1, schedule any outstanding appointments so you get the most of your benefits. One in five teenagers lives with a mental health condition. How can parents help? When to Get Help Your teenager may benefit from mental health care if you notice he or she: • Often feels angry, sad, or worried for no reason • Loses interest in activities he or she used to like • Becomes self-isolated from friends and family • Self-harms • Loses or gains a significant amount of weight • Sleeps too much or not enough If your child asks about seeing a counselor or mental health professional, take that request seriously. "There's a widespread misconception that you have to be extremely unwell to talk to a counselor, or that so-called normal people don't need counseling," Huber says. "You don't have to have a drastic need—a counselor can help with everyday problems with friends and school." ! ! To learn more about the Help & Healing Center, visit www.SturgisHospital.com/gesundheit.php. ! ! Call your family doctor today to schedule your annual physical. Looking for a trusted physician to be your partner in health? Call our Find-a-Doctor line at 269-659-9853. As kids turn into teenagers, the social and emotional pressures around them grow stronger—school becomes harder, friendships can become more complicated, and a teenager's still-growing body makes it difficult to deal with emotions. Parents should be a valuable resource in helping teenagers manage this transition. "It sounds simple, but just be available," says Heather Huber, LPC, counselor at the Sturgis Hospital Gesundheit Student Help & Healing Center. "Ask your children how they're doing and tell them you are there if they need you. Sometimes, students will just say 'I'm fine,' but other times they will see an open door and be ready to talk." The end of the year is closing in. Have you had your annual physical? Just Checking In

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