Depression screening posted on www.stjoebreese.com

Mom has been feeling kind of ‘blue’…my husband hasn’t been out to his shop in months…I cry a lot.

Is this serious? Should I check with the doctor? Well…maybe.

“As individuals, family or friends, we don’t know what to do,” said Sandy Radford, program director for Senior Renewal at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese. “It might be depression or it might not but only a physician can make that determination.”

A good first step might be the 12-question depression screening available by clicking “depression” on the Senior Renewal page of the hospital’s website: www.stjoebreese.com.

The screening includes questions on how the person feels: sad or irritable, tired, hopeless and/or helpless, worthless, useless and/or guilty or restless; if there have been changes in appetite, weight, sleep pattern, interest, concentration or decision making; if the person cries for no apparent reason; has unexplained physical problems; or has thoughts of death or suicide.

“These are yes and no questions that can be answered quickly although we encourage anyone taking the quiz to really think about his or her response,” Radford said.

“This is not a diagnostic tool but if you or someone you love answers yes to one or more of these statements, you may wish to show the quiz and answers to your family physician,” Radford said. “With effective treatment, most people with depression feel better and return to the daily activities they enjoyed.”

One treatment option is Senior Renewal, an outpatient service at St. Joseph’s in Breese for adults 60 years old and over who are dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety and loss, Radford said.

The program’s goal is to restore a sense of well-being and quality of life. Services are offered weekdays in the HealthPlex, north of the hospital along Jamestown Road.

“Seniors often experience depression when dealing with the death of their spouse, family members or friends,” Radford said, noting that after retirement, many feel they are not a productive part of society.

“Others experience difficulty coping with chronic pain or a decline in their physical health which may require a move to a more supervised setting,” Radford said. “This loss of independence can be difficult to adjust to and quite troubling.”

Senior Renewal has a staff of healthcare professionals who specialize in mental health issues. Department staff can also provide a free and confidential depression screening.

Most commercial insurances, Medicare and many supplemental plans cover Senior Renewal; the hospital Business Office at 526-5329 or John Bono can answer financial questions.

Transportation can be arranged for those needing services.

For more information or an appointment—on or off the hospital campus—to discuss how Senior Renewal could help you or a loved one, contact 526-5699 or e-mail Sandy Radford.