Author Archives: Karen Bermel LIMHP, MC

Kids and Scary Weather

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Karen Bermel LIMHP, MC

It is difficult to watch scenes of destruction from the tornado in Oklahoma. Seeing the devastation of the buildings is one thing; seeing the kids reunited with their parents really takes it to a whole new level. One of my colleagues here at Alegent Creighton Health brought up how scary it must have been to hear the tornado sirens – and how both kids and adults will remember the images from this storm the next time the sirens sound here. Aside from limiting exposure to news outlets and information about … Continue reading →

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May Is Mental Health Month!

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Karen Bermel LIMHP, MC

Since May is Mental Health Month, I’d like to share some information  from Mental Health America. There are some links included in the information below that may benefit you or someone you love. Please feel free to share this information and these links with others. Partnership to Provide the M3 Checklist, a Free Online Personalized Mental Health Screen for Prevalent Mental Health Diseases. Mental Health America provides the only online test that screens for depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD and anxiety. The innovative online mood-screening tool is offered in partnership with … Continue reading →

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What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Karen Bermel LIMHP, MC

Due to the recent, tragic events at the Boston Marathon and the West, Texas fertilizer plant, some patients are asking more about PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). When we hear of traumatic events like these in the news – local or global – we can certainly be impacted. When someone personally experiences or witnesses a traumatic event thiscan make for an even deeper impact, resulting in PTSD. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has a helpful brochure aboutPTSD. PTSD, they explain, is as“an anxiety disorder that some people get after … Continue reading →

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Look for the Good People

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Karen Bermel LIMHP, MC

My friend and fellow mental health therapist, Mat Balcetis, LIMHP, sent an email to me today. It is a quote from Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. Do any of you remember that show on PBS? I loved that show. The quote applies today as much as it did way back when. I invite you to consider Mr. Rogers’ sentiment as you talk with your family and friends – especially your children – regarding the bombs at the Boston Marathon, the explosion in Texas or any other scary stuff that … Continue reading →

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Kids and Mental Health

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Karen Bermel LIMHP, MC

Did you know that we used to think children could not have depression? Did you know that about 8 percent of adolescents, age 13-18, have some type of anxiety disorder? Did you know that approximately 11 percent of adolescents have a depressive disorder by the age of 18? This information comes from the National Institute of Mental Health’s website, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications. This information can be unsettling. No one wants to think of their child as having anxiety or depression, or any health issue for that matter. But knowing that kids can … Continue reading →

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