Plains Area Mental Health Center Helping People Cope with Everyday Living

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders, 2% to 4% of Americans suffered from an anxiety disorder in 1980. Fourteen years later, that number increased to 14%, and then to 49.5% in 2009. This tremendous increase means that either we are getting better at diagnosing anxiety or that the DSM’s definition of anxiety has broadened. It is also quite possible that we live in economically threatening times that render us anxious. Whatever the answer, it is important to realize that anxiety is the most basic of human emotions. It enables us to adapt to changing circumstances by creating new coping mechanisms. On the other hand, if anxiety impairs function, help should be sought.

Are you gripped by anxiety? Do you worry all the time? Is it interfering with your life? We understand and we are here to help you. Our experienced counselors can provide the compassionate help that you need to be able to let go of your anxiety and be able to live a happier, healthier life. In addition to help with anxiety, we can also provide you with a safe space for dealing with depression, grief, or stress. If you would like an appointment or if you have any questions, please

Please contact one of our offices in Le Mars and Orange City, 800-325-1192, or 712-546-4624; Cherokee, 712-225-2575; Ida Grove, 712-364-3500, Storm Lake, 712-213-8402, or Carroll, 712-792-2991.

HINT: Talk therapy can help anxious individuals identify the root cause(s) of their anxiety and better manage their emotions.

Because heart failure (HF) can lead to significant health complications and reduced quality of life, both male and female patients can become depressed as a result. While depression is more common among women HF patients, men with HF often suffer depression of greater severity. This may be due to the fact that the physical weakness associated with HF is particularly difficult for men to bear because of the traditional views of masculinity held by many. However, this is an important matter to address regardless of gender. Without proper treatment, depression may lead to a worsening heart condition due to failure to take medicine, exercise, or eat properly. Treating heart disease involves treating the head as well as the heart.

Of course, if you’ve suffered from heart failure and you’re wrestling with depression, you should get help now. But we know that depression doesn’t have to have an obvious cause, like heart failure. Depression can strike anyone at any time for any reason. Our compassionate counselors can provide you with the proven techniques and safe space that you need to be healthy again. For an appointment

Please contact one of our offices in Le Mars and Orange City, 800-325-1192, or 712-546-4624; Cherokee, 712-225-2575; Ida Grove, 712-364-3500, Storm Lake, 712-213-8402, or Carroll, 712-792-2991.

P.S. Warning signs of depression among heart patients include loss of interest in activities, changes in weight and/or sleeping patterns, feelings of hopelessness, and withdrawal from friends and relatives.

The grim news, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, is that suicide has exceeded automobile crashes as the leading cause of injury-related death in this country. While the percentage of deaths related to vehicle crashes has dropped 25 percent over a recent nine-year period, the number of suicides has increased 15 percent over the same time period. It seems that, at the very least, we should be paying as much attention to suicide causes and prevention as has been paid to the issues of drunk- and drugged-driving prevention. If you or anyone you know has feelings of despair and hopelessness, it is of the utmost importance to get in touch with a mental health professional.

Of course, if you are wrestling with suicidal thoughts, it’s vital to get help right away. But you don’t need to wait until you reach such a critical stage to look for help. Lots of people suffer every day with depression without becoming suicidal. They deserve help, too. Our compassionate counselors can provide you with proven techniques for dealing with your depression, feelings of hopelessness, and despair. You deserve to be happy again. If you would like an appointment or if you have any questions, please call our office at

Please contact one of our offices in Le Mars and Orange City, 800-325-1192, or 712-546-4624; Cherokee, 712-225-2575; Ida Grove, 712-364-3500, Storm Lake, 712-213-8402, or Carroll, 712-792-2991.

P.S. Men take their lives at nearly four times the rate that women do.

Chances are that every one of us will grieve over the loss of a close friend or relative. While there is no question that grief is nearly universal, there has been some debate as to whether the frequent crying spells, depressed mood, sleep disturbances, and loss of appetite so common to the bereavement process may have something to do with depression. Until recently, many argued that the grieving process is a normal response to death and not an illness to be treated. However, more are coming to believe that bereavement is a major stressor, like divorce, which can lead to depression. While the question remains somewhat open-ended, grieving individuals who feel they need help are encouraged to get it.

Is your grief affecting your ability to function? Do you feel mired in your grief? Overwhelmed? If so, please call our office. Our compassionate counselors understand how losing a loved one can touch every part of your life. We can provide a safe space for you to address your loss, as well as proven techniques for dealing with it. In addition to help with grief issues, we can also provide relief for those wrestling with stress, depression, or anxiety.

Please contact one of our offices in Le Mars and Orange City, 800-325-1192, or 712-546-4624; Cherokee, 712-225-2575; Ida Grove, 712-364-3500, Storm Lake, 712-213-8402, or Carroll, 712-792-2991.

P.S. Individuals who are angry at or otherwise conflicted in their feelings about the deceased may find that grieving is more difficult.

If you feel stressed at work, you are hardly alone. A recent poll of nearly 900 American employees shows that about three in every four are stressed at work. For the second consecutive year, low pay is the most common cause of work-related stress. Poor work/life balance; lack of advancement opportunity; working outside one’s chosen career; unreasonable workloads; annoying co-workers; and, of course, unreasonable bosses were all found to be among the top reasons for work-induced stress. While psychological counseling may not directly help workers get a better job, higher pay, or a new boss, it may help stressed employees better deal with their present situations. Bringing a new attitude and coping mechanisms to work can go a long way.

Of course, in addition to work, stress can come from many other sources. If you feel overly stressed for any reason, you need to call our office right away. Our compassionate counselors can provide you with proven techniques for dealing with your stress, regardless of its source. We can also help you if you’re wrestling with grief, depression, or anxiety.

Please contact one of our offices in Le Mars and Orange City, 800-325-1192, or 712-546-4624; Cherokee, 712-225-2575; Ida Grove, 712-364-3500, Storm Lake, 712-213-8402, or Carroll, 712-792-2991.

P.S. By altering expectations, employees may be able to redirect outcomes in ways that lead to better relationships with bosses and co-workers.