SENIOR HEALTH Why staying social is crucial Help is here. To schedule your free mental health assessment, call Neosho Memorial’s Senior Behavioral Care Clinic at 620-433-3800. Staying home during the COVID-19 outbreak kept many seniors safe from the virus. But being away from family and friends was also stressful and lonely for some. It’s important to remember the benefits of becoming more socially active. People who engage in meaningful activities with others tend to live happier, longer and more purpose-filled lives, says Jayme Collins, LCP, LMLP, director of the Neosho Memorial Senior Behavioral Care Clinic and psychotherapist. Social activities also help us improve our ability to think and learn, especially as we get older. Get the help you deserve What if you find yourself less than enthusiastic about socializing again? In that case, it’s worth taking a closer look at why, Collins says. “If you don’t feel like getting back in the groove, then maybe you’ve been feeling down more than you realized during the pandemic,” she says. You’ll want to be sure you’re not actually dealing with clinical depression or anxiety triggered by COVID-19 isolation. Anxiety can feel like constant worry. Depression signs include: ◆ Mood changes. ◆ Changes in eating and sleeping habits. ◆Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy. If you think you might be depressed or overly anxious, you can call the Behavioral Care Clinic to schedule a free assessment. The clinic offers tailored outpatient treatments, which may include therapy, medicines or both. Get to know Yi Ying Law, MD, a new general surgeon at NMRMC. Page 5 629 S. Plummer Chanute, KS 66720 Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Welcome, Dr. Law!
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