Central Peninsula Hospital | Pulse | Spring/Summer 2020

On the road to a better, happier life When to consider seeing a mental health professional Is a problem in your life dragging you down? Is it mak- ing it hard to function, feel in control or be happy? Emotional troubles like this are more common than you suspect—by some estimates, in any given year 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. struggle with a mental health problem like depression, severe anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. Standard U.S. Postage PAID WallaWalla,WA Permit No. 44 If you are struggling, a medical health professional can help you feel like yourself again. Using talk therapy and possibly medication, this professional can help you: ●   ● Come up with plans for solving problems. ●   ● Change behaviors that hold you back. ●   ● Feel stronger when facing challenges. ●   ● Examine how the way you think may negatively affect your emotions. ●   ● Heal pain from your past. The encouraging news: Most people who seek help get better. For example, more than 80% of people treated for depression improve. Keep this in mind too: Seeking help is never a sign of weakness. It takes strength to admit things need to change and to learn new coping skills and grow. Which professional? There are many different types of mental health professionals. Your primary care provider can advise you on which type of professional is the best match for you. So might a friend who has been in counseling. You can turn to a psycholo- gist, psychiatrist, social worker, pastoral coun- selor or another mental health professional. But only a psychiatrist, who is a medical doctor, can prescribe medicine. No matter who you go to for help, it’s important to be open to newways of behaving and thinking that can help you get your life back on track. Sources: American Psychological Association; Mental Health America Lifelong heart- healthy habits p6 Reach out. To learn more about our behavioral health services, please call 907-714-4521 .