Important Warning Signs for Residents and Staff
By: Dr. Sherie L. Friedrich, PsyD
Chief Psychology Officer
During these difficult times many people are experiencing unprecedented levels of Stress. Stress, as we all know, is a part of everyday life and a necessary ingredient that motivates us, signals danger, and ideally propels us into action. A moderate amount of stress, referred to as “eustress”, is thought to be good for us. But what happens when stress becomes too much to handle? Occupational stressors, job loss, change in health status, separation from friends and family, and illness or death of a loved one are among the top stressors that an individual may face throughout their life. During this current crisis, these collective stressors are weighing on our minds and are threatening our sense of safety.
Some of the many side effects of stress are depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, health concerns, occupational and relationship problems, and suicide. As stress mounts during this pandemic, many behavioral health specialists share concerns about potential increase in suicide which has been on the rise over the past decade. It is more important now than ever for healthcare providers to be able to both recognize when their patients are unable to manage current stress levels and identify warning signs for suicide.
Signs of Increased Stress:
- Depression and/or mood swings
- Emotional Withdrawal
- Physical complaints
- Sense of being or feeling overwhelmed
- Sleep and appetite changes
- Irritability and edginess
- Changes in behavior
- Excessive anxiety, worry, panic attacks
Warning Signs for Suicide:
- Talking about wanting to die or end one’s life
- Expression of hopelessness and loss of meaning
- Sense of being a burden to others
- Verbalizing thoughts of seeking revenge on others by inflicting self-harm
- Making plans to end one’s life and researching methods
- Attempting to gain access to instruments to harm one’s self (weapons, drugs, medications, etc.)
Nobody should suffer alone. Anyone experiencing overwhelming and intolerable levels of stress should have access to behavioral health treatment. Please consider referring residents with increased stress to MediTelecare for additional support. Healthcare workers experiencing increased distress can also access services through MediStaffCare below.
In the face of an immediate crisis, patients should be evaluated by a medical or mental health professional or referred to the nearest emergency room for assessment. For emergencies, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department.
How to Refer
- Obtain a physician/nurse practitioner order stating: “MediTelecare to Evaluate and Treat for Psychiatric and Psychological Health”
- Email the doctor order to our intake team at [email protected] along with
- MediTelecare Referral Form
- Authorization to Screen, Evaluate and Treat
- Resident facesheet with insurance and demographic info
MediTelecare is here to help staff and residents with any behavioral healthcare needs, please reach out to us with any questions or requests below:
General or Operational Inquiries, please contact:
Bernadette Greatorex
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Customer Experience
Email: [email protected]
Office: 860-365-6871
For Questions Regarding StaffCare and Clinical Inquiries, please contact:
Dr. Sherie L. Friedrich, PsyD
Chief Psychology Officer
Email: [email protected]
Office: 860-365-6861
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