[StBernard] St Bernard Health Center offers free Depression Screenings

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard Health Center offers Free Depression Screenings and Tips
for Healthy Holiday Eating

On Thursday, December 17, 2009, the St Bernard Health Center will
partner with the Community Center of St Bernard to offer free,
confidential screenings for depression. The screenings will be held
from 10 AM until noon at the Community Center, 1107 LeBeau St in
Arabi. 

Every year millions of Americans are affected by depression, anxiety
or related mental health issues.  Some of the symptoms of clinical
depression include: 

* Persistent, sad, anxious, or "empty" mood 
* Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, helplessness and
worthlessness 
* Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, ranging from
schoolwork to sex 
* Sleeping too much or too little 
* Changes in appetite 
* Decreased energy, fatigue, and feeling "slowed down" 
* Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts 
* Increased restlessness and irritability 
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions 
* Physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive disorders, and
chronic pain that do not respond to medical treatment 

During the St Bernard Health Center screenings, individuals will fill
out a self-test and speak with a counselor about their personal
situations. On completion of the screening, participants will be able
to schedule a follow-up session with the counselor to go over the
results and develop a treatment plan. 

Then on December 22, the St Bernard Health Center's Healthy Lifestyle
Solutions Team will return to the Community Center from 10 AM until
noon with helpful hints on how to modify traditional holiday recipes
to make them more healthy and flavorful. The team will also discuss
how to use proper portion sizes to avoid overeating during the holiday
season, and pass out flyers on “Tips for healthy holiday eating and
appropriate servings.”

The Health Center events are free to the public and no appointments
are needed. For more information, please phone the St Bernard Health
Center at 504.281.2832 or 504.281.2825.