Do you know a senior who has become depressed or anxious? Did you know a program for seniors 55 and older is available for treatment and care of emotional health issues? Even better, the program takes place during the day, allowing individuals to return home at night. And the best part is that it's right in your back yard!

The Senior Bridges outpatient program was created in 1995 as a continuum of care to the successful Senior Bridges inpatient program at Northern Nevada Medical Center. The outpatient program provides a much-needed level of care for individuals 55 and older who, due to emotional difficulties, are at risk for needing inpatient treatment.

Under the guidance of a board certified psychiatrist, the therapeutic team consists of three licensed clinical social workers with the help of a registered nurse. The team leads small, intimate groups through daily therapeutic topics such as loss and grief, relationship issues, depression and life changes -- including retirement issues, strokes and changes in vision and hearing.

Many clients in the outpatient program have found that life changes that occur in later years make it difficult to get up and be active. Senior Bridges helps bridge this gap by providing transportation and lunch to its clients.

Roxanne Daniels, community education manager, Senior Bridges at Northern Nevada Medical Center

Each program day, three separate therapy groups are conducted. Groups attend to clients' current needs while addressing ongoing challenges they are experiencing.

The outpatient program also offers free, confidential assessments to those who may be interested in learning more about the program.

"We are the support for those who may lack it from their spouses, families and friends," said Debbie Prince-Lewis, Senior Bridges outpatient program coordinator. "Many of our clients have no living families, and the staff of Senior Bridges helps fill the void."

Outpatient program clients have benefited tremendously from the help they have received. "If it hadn't been for Senior Bridges outpatient program, I might not be here today," said Leslie, a client of the program. "There was a time when I was contemplating taking my own life. Senior Bridges gave my life back to me."

It can be difficult to assess whether someone may need professional help. Although the signs can look different from one person to the next, some common symptoms include:

• A loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities
• Dissatisfaction with life
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Loss of energy
• Feeling useless or helpless
• Irritability
• Sadness or crying
• Worry and/or self-criticism
• Difficulty concentrating and/or making decisions
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Significant changes in sleeping habits -- increased or decreased amounts of sleep

If you or someone you know has shown any of the symptoms listed and may need some help, please call 356-1279 for immediate professional assistance. You will be connected with a licensed clinician who can assist in getting help to rediscover the joy of living.

Northern Nevada Medical Center 2375 E. Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89434 775-331-7000