When is it more than Winter Blues

It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of year, but for many people, it’s simply a reminder of loss.
Whether it is a loss of a loved one, loss of independence, loss of a home, or loss of health; change can cause depression, according to Michele Murray, supervisor for Uplift—a mental health service offered to older adults through Community Behavioral Health.

“The holidays can be really hard for people, and we see a spike in depression,” she said. “We especially see it in older adults. This population has gone through a lot more life changes at this point in their lives.”

In spite of the changes people experience as they get older, depression is not a normal part of aging. Uplift is designed to improve moods of older adults by increasing participation in social, physical and other pleasant activities that lead to a more active, rewarding life.

While a majority of clients are referred to Uplift, anyone can call to request an evaluation.

“We’re the only ones I am aware of in Butler County that do in-home counseling,” Murray said.

Within one to two weeks, a counselor will come to the client to work through a series of questions designed to establish the needs of the client. From there, the counselor will help a client set positive goals to lower depression. An Uplift doctor also will be consulted to determine if the client might benefit from medication, and then a recommendation is given to the client to take to his or her primary care provider.

“It’s not us telling them what to do,” she said. “It’s them problem-solving and telling us what they want to do. We’ve had a lot of great success stories.”

Fran would consider herself one of those success stories.

Her family members and church friends were there to support her, but when she became depressed about two years ago, she needed something more to help her sort through the emotions.

“It helps to talk and let your feelings out about things you would not discuss with someone else,” she said. “I think my counselor is great. I talk to her, and she just really listens to me. I really like her, and I think it is a great program. I would recommend it to anybody.”

UPLIFT is funded by the Butler County Mental Health Board and the Butler County Elderly Services Program, which is administered by Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio. Medicare and Medicaid also helps cover costs. UPLIFT is provided by Community Behavioral Health, Inc. It is based on the treatment models PEARLS and IMPACT which have been proven in scientific studies to relieve symptoms of depression.

 

How to recognize signs of depression:

• Increased Worry
• Sadness
• Decreased Energy
• Sleep Problems
• Irritability
• Loss of Appetite or Overeating
• Feelings of Loneliness
• Lost Interest or Pleasure

 

If you exhibit any of the symptoms listed above for two weeks or more, it’s time to do something about it. The good news is that depression is a very treatable condition. UPLIFT will help you return to a happier, more fulfilling life.

For more information about UPLIFT, please contact:
Michele Murray
(513) 868-5128
mmurray@community-first.org

Jackie December 11th, 2015

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