6 TexasHealthHuguley.org Signs it’s time to seek mental health help Activities you once enjoyed no longer bring joy. “For example, if you’re someone who enjoys playing video games but are now disinterested,” says Christopher Rasmussen, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP‑BC, a board-certified family medicine and mental health specialist. “Or you like going out with friends, but now you no longer are interested in expending energy.” You’re exhausted. You might find yourself sleeping more than usual or struggling to find the drive to complete even mundane, daily tasks. You’re anxious. People experiencing anxiety can have irritability, difficulty concentrating and physical symptoms, like a rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, headaches, upset stomach, sweating or sleep disruptions. You should tell your provider if you’re concerned about these or other changes. Mental health support is available. “If you’re struggling with your mental health, you aren’t broken, and you’re not alone,” Christopher says. “Good people who care are willing to help you get through the dark storm you’re in.” You are not alone To schedule an appointment with Christopher Rasmussen, visit TexasHealthHuguley .org/Rasmussen. If you’re in a crisis situation, you can reach confidential help 24/7 by calling or texting 988: the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Be a lifesaver Step up: How to restart a heart A person who loses consciousness and has no pulse could be experiencing cardiac arrest. That's when the heart stops beating due to an electrical malfunction. The person can die within minutes, unless someone immediately performs CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until medical help arrives. The American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative reminds us that anyone can be a first responder in a cardiac emergency. That means you! Follow the beat The simplest form of CPR—hands-only—can be performed on a teen or adult with cardiac arrest. (Infants and children need CPR that includes breaths.) Take these steps to get help in a cardiac emergency and restart a heart: 1 Call 911 right away. 2 Push hard and fast in the center of the person’s chest to the beat of a song with 100 beats per minute, like “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé and Jay-Z, or “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash. 3 If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is nearby, get it and use it. If two people are helping, one of you can start CPR while the other calls 911 and finds an AED. Learn CPR Be ready for an emergency with CPR classes led by registered nurses. Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/FitnessCenter.
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