Health Tip – Treating depression after a cardiac event or diagnosis

Psychiatry team at Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center

Psychiatry team at Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center

by Dr. Geoffrey Hills, D.O., psychiatrist, and Susan Koehler, P.A.-C. (psychiatry physician assistant) at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center

June 2016 – Did you know cardiovascular disease may trigger depression? Counseling and medication can help. When someone has a heart attack, heart surgery or stroke, the immediate concern is addressing his or her physical health. Once down the road to physical recovery, it’s also important to monitor mental health. If you or a loved one have experienced a cardiac event or diagnosis, and are having difficulty regaining the zest for previous life interests (such as hobbies or relationships,) you may wish to ask your doctor for a referral to a qualified mental health professional.

The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center’s in-house psychiatry team can work with your doctor to treat your cardiac-related depression. For more information on the Center’s psychiatry services, visit dmpcc.org/psychiatry, call 515-274-4006 or email info@mindspiritcenter.org. The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center provides quality mental health counseling for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families through 26 licensed clinicians.