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Depression Can Be a Heartbreaker

January 20, 2020

Being Diagnosed with Heart Disease or Another Chronic Health Condition Can Take Its Toll Mentally. Carroll County Memorial Hospital Senior Life Solutions is Here to Help

CARROLLTON, Mo. – During the month of February, American Heart Month, Carroll County Memorial Hospital Senior Life Solutions, is working to raise awareness of the connection between heart health and emotional health.

In 1964, February was declared American Heart Month to help bring awareness to the number one killer of both men and women in America, heart disease. Heart related health concerns come with many physical symptoms ranging from chest pain or discomfort to shortness of breath; however, cardiac patients often experience depression after a heart attack, cardiac surgery, recent diagnosis of heart disease, or recent hospitalization. According to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 15 percent of patients with cardiovascular disease and up to 20 percent of patients who have undergone bypass surgery experience major depression.

Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of older struggling with symptoms of depression and anxiety, stress from age-related health concerns, or difficult life transitions such as the loss of a loved one. Individuals may benefit from Senior Life Solutions if they are experiencing any of the following common indicators or triggers of depression and anxiety:

•           Recently experienced a traumatic event

•           Lost a spouse or close family member

•           Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

•           Changes in appetite

•           Difficulty sleeping

•           Loss of energy

•           Feelings of sadness or grief lasting more than two weeks

•           Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

Following an individual assessment, patients meet up to three times per week in a supportive, encouraging group setting. The program staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed social workers, a registered nurse, and other healthcare professionals dedicated to the emotional well-being of the seniors in our community.

Mindie Stovall RN, Program Director, said, “It is very important that people understand the connection between emotional health and physical health. Anxiety, depression, and stress can increase the risk of an adverse cardiac event. Those with a heart condition are even more at risk.”

Temporary feelings of sadness are normal for patients recovering from recent heart surgery, heart attack, or another heart or chronic health condition. If severe feelings of sadness or low mood continue for more than two weeks or result in withdrawal from activities or increased negative thoughts, it is time to seek help. For more information, call the Carroll County Memorial Hospital Senior Life Solutions at 660-542-1695 Ext. 3208.

ABOUT SENIOR LIFE SOLUTIONS

Founded in 2003, Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC) operates inpatient and outpatient programs located in rural communities across the country. PMC was developed with the sole mission to improve the quality of life of older adults living in rural communities. PMC, which operates the Senior Life Solutions outpatient program and multiple inpatient facilities, is one of the largest geriatric mental health management companies within rural hospitals across the United States. 

For more information, visit www.psychmc.com.

Carroll County Memorial Hospital (CCMH), the area’s premier healthcare resource, is a 25-bed Critical Access facility serving Carrollton and the surrounding communities. It offers 24-hour emergency care, specialized services such as advanced diagnostics, post-acute skilled care (swing bed) and comprehensive family care. CCMH is dedicated to the Health and Well Being of All We Serve. For more information, visit carrollcountyhospital.org.