Aspirus | Aspire | Winter 2019

12 aspire Winter 2019 NEARLY 1 IN 5. That’s how many adults in the United States are living with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). That’s also how many American children ages 13 to 18 have or will have a serious mental illness, NIMH reports. Mental health problems like depression and anxiety are very common, yet many people hesitate to get professional help for them. NIMH reports only 50 percent of people living with a mental illness receive treatment. “That’s unfortunate because most mental illnesses—even serious ones— are treatable,” said Marleen Bryan, APNP, a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Aspirus. New behavioral health clinic in Wisconsin Rapids On Sept. 24, 2018, Aspirus celebrated the opening of Aspirus RiverviewBehavioral Health Clinic. Located on the Aspirus Riverview Hospital campus in Wisconsin Rapids, the clinic is helpingmeet the growing need for mental health and substance use disorder services in the greater Wisconsin Rapids area. The clinic is staffed by psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, licensed clinical social workers, nurses and support professionals. If you or a familymember could benefit from these services, contact Aspirus Riverview Behavioral Health Clinic at 715.422.9319 . Marleen Bryan, APNP You are not alone Lifecanbebetter According to Bryan, mental health treatment or counseling can help you: ▸ ▸ Gain relief from depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions. ▸ ▸ Cope with thoughts, behaviors, symptoms, past experiences and more to support your recovery and healing. ▸ ▸ Change thinking and behaviors that stop you from moving forward. ▸ ▸ Improve how you handle and express your emotions, including grief, fear and anger. ▸ ▸ Deal with conflicts, stresses and daily challenges. ▸ ▸ Boost your self-confidence. ▸ ▸ Mend and improve relationships. To find the best course of action for you, start by describing what you’re experiencing to your primary care provider. After an evaluation, he or she may suggest you see a mental health professional. Children:Spot thesigns “Usually the first people to notice a child is experiencing problems with emotions or behavior are parents, family members and teachers,” Bryan said. Warning signs to watch for in your child include: ▸ ▸ Feelings of sadness or irritability that last at least two weeks. ▸ ▸ Severe mood swings that cause problems at home or school. ▸ ▸ Constant worry or anxiety. ▸ ▸ Decline in grades or school performance. ▸ ▸ Refusing to go to school or participate in normal activities. ▸ ▸ Hyperactivity or inability to sit quietly. ▸ ▸ Complaining of frequent stomachaches or headaches. ▸ ▸ Sleeping too much or too little. ▸ ▸ Drastic changes in behavior or personality. ▸ ▸ Dangerous behavior or frequent fighting. ▸ ▸ Unexplained weight loss. ▸ ▸ Drug or alcohol use. “Tell your child’s doctor about the behavior that concerns you,” Bryan said. “Share what you’ve seen and what you’ve learned about your child’s behavior from talking with others.” If a child exhibits unsafe behavior or talks about wanting to harm him- or herself or someone else, seek immediate help. HELP ISHERE If you or your child is experiencing mental or emotional problems, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Don’t have one? Go online to aspirus.org or call the Aspirus Customer Contact Center at 800.847.4707 to find an Aspirus provider near you.