Pine Rest Mission Statement
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services is called to express the healing ministry of Jesus Christ by providing behavioral health services with professional excellence, Christian integrity and compassion.

Depression and the Holidays - Who’s at Risk; How to Combat

By Melissa Garland

As the calendar page turns to the final days of 2007, many Americans find their days filled with holiday parties, family dinners, school plays and church services. Although the holidays and all they entail are portrayed as joyous, many individuals find themselves suffering from holiday depression. “Holiday depression is not specific to any one person or type of person,” said Jean Holthaus, LISW, Clinical Social Worker at the Pine Rest Pella Clinic. "Those who have endured significant change in their lives – a move, loss of a job, or the death of a loved one – are particularly vulnerable."

What makes this more of a problem during the holidays? "We have unrealistic expectations for the holidays. We want to be like Martha Stewart, we overdo things, and we have a picture in our heads of what should be – the perfect family, the perfect presents, the perfect meal – coping with the fact that what was isn’t possible." This is intensified for individuals who have had major changes. What actually was true at the holidays is often no longer possible for these people. Tell-tale signs of depression include lethargy, an inability to concentrate, disinterest in favorite things, and feelings of worthlessness and guilt. "Many of my clients say they wish ‘they didn’t have to do life’ and could skip directly to January," said Holthaus.

There are ways to cope with holiday depression. In addition to medication management, Holthaus encourages clients to determine realistic expectations and to set appropriate eating and sleeping patterns. "It’s important to focus on what is most important and fulfilling to the individual instead of trying to do it all."

Spotlight On DeMey Clinic

By Sean Myers

“One of the highlights of the DeMey Clinic is that it is not your traditional outpatient Pine Rest clinic,” states RaVonne Foster, LMSW, Clinic Manager at Pine Rest DeMey Clinic. Since the DeMey Clinic is located in the diverse southeastern area of Grand Rapids, this is not only a statement, but a working methodology that holds true to the outpatient care the DeMey Clinic is capable of performing.

In addition to traditional outpatient counseling services, the DeMey Clinic offers services designed to provide aid for the future of troubled individuals. They seek to prevent past offenders from returning to institutions, such as jail or prison. The ultimate goal is creating a new lifestyle and helping these individuals become a positive part in our society.

The DeMey Clinic offers non-traditional services that involve a partnership with Ottawa Hills High School and Alger Middle School. It is called, “Ottawa Hills High School-Pine Rest Partnership for Success Program.” This involves psychosocial support to help students strive educationally throughout their schooling. Another partnership is with School-To-Career Progressions Program in offering a Juvenile Success Center for youth with low-level misdemeanors who have been referred by the juvenile courts.

The overall goal of this program is to divert youth from the criminal justice system through completion of diversion program.

The DeMey Clinic is located on the southeast side of Grand Rapids on Kalamazoo Avenue, near Garfield Park Cemetery. To schedule an appointment or for more information on the DeMey Clinic, please call 616/242-6400.

Pine Rest Professional Lecture Series Presents Carolyn King, M.D.

By Matthew Hiskes

On January 23, Pine Rest’s Professional Lecture Series will be hosting Carolyn King, M.D. at the new Gerald and Jane-Ann Postma Center for Worship and Education. Dr. King will present “Every Kid Who Moves Too Much Does Not Need Ritalin,” which will focus on the identification and treatment of mental health disorders in adolescents and children. The lecture will be the first major educational event held at the new Postma Center, which opened in December at Pine Rest’s main campus.

Dr. Carolyn King is a psychiatrist on Pine Rest’s inpatient child and adolescent unit, treating youngsters experiencing a wide variety of mental disorders. Dr. King graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine, and completed a general and child psychiatry residency and fellowship at the University of Michigan Health Systems. She has contributed over 10 professional publications to her field of study.

More and more providers in the community are expressing an interest in understanding, de-stigmatizing and treating children and teenagers’ mental health problems in a team treatment environment. Dr. King will discuss the different presentations of childhood onsets of mental health disorders. She will share her perspectives about the range of different diagnoses, how to recognize the symptoms, treatment options and community support. Specific updates about movement disorders such as Tic disorders and Tourette’s disorder; agitation from anxiety; irritability and cutting caused by depression; developmental disorders such as Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism; the distractibility of ADHD and learning disorders; tantrums caused by speech disorders and sensory integration disorders; and medication side effects will be covered.

The lecture will be from 8:30 to 11:45 am. Cost is $50 for the general public; free to Pine Rest staff. Pre-registration is required by calling 616/281-6363, ext. 2298.

Pine Rest Announcements

Susan Zonnebelt-Smeenge, RN, EdD, Returns to Pine Rest
By Michelle Philippon

Licensed psychologist Susan J. Zonnebelt-Smeenge, RN, EdD, has returned to the staff of Pine Rest’s Campus Clinic following a year’s leave of absence for travel and speaking engagements. Dr. Zonnebelt-Smeenge joined the Pine Rest staff in 1988 and worked in the outpatient clinic until her sabbatical in 2006.

Dr. Zonnebelt-Smeenge is the co-author of four books on dying and grief including Getting to the Other Side of Grief, The Empty Chair, Living Fully in the Shadow of Death, and Traveling Through Grief. She speaks internationally on these topics with her co-author and spouse, Robert C. DeVries, DMin, PhD.

During her leave of absence, she lectured on grief and bereavement across the country, including stops in California, Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Michigan. Over the next year, she plans to speak at a variety of venues including the National Funeral Directors’ Conference, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Convention, and Sau Paulo Seminary in Merida, Mexico.

Dr. Zonnebelt-Smeenge became a registered nurse through Mercy Central School of Nursing in Grand Rapids. Afterwards, she received a master’s degree in counseling and a doctorate in counseling psychology (EdD) from Western Michigan University.

Dr. Zonnebelt-Smeenge works with adolescents and adults in psychotherapy for a variety of issues including serious illness, loss and grief, depression and anxiety disorders, adjustment concerns, and eating disorders, as well as family and marital concerns. Persons interested in scheduling an appointment with Dr. Zonnebelt-Smeenge should call 616/831-2601.

New Anger Management Class at Pine Rest Mercy-Muskegon Clinic
by Michelle Philippon

Pine Rest Mercy-Muskegon Clinic has added a new service this fall: an Anger Management Group for Adults. Clinic staff member Sheila Wilkinson, MA, LLP, LPC, leads the four-week classes at the Pine Rest Mercy-Muskegon Clinic, 1150 E. Sherman Blvd., Suite 2100. Two sessions were held this fall. This class is open to all adults.

“In today’s society, people are experiencing more external stressors [due to] job stress, loss of employment, financial struggles, marriage, divorce, or family,” explains Michael G. Zambiasi, MS, LLP, Clinic Manager for Pine Rest Mercy-Muskegon Clinic. “These stressors are snowballing and having an impact on people’s moods. Because of that, we’re experiencing more anger and depression.”

“This class helps people identify, control, and express anger in more productive ways,” Zambiasi explains. Throughout the four weeks, members learn what anger is and recognize how they personally express anger. In addition, the connection between thoughts and feelings and outward expressions of anger are explored. Participants also learn how to communicate feelings in a more constructive manner to family members, friends, and colleagues.

The next two sessions will begin on January 10 and March 6, 2008, and will take place over four consecutive Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pine Rest Mercy-Muskegon Clinic. Cost is $80/individual or $120 for two family members.

For more information about the Muskegon Anger Management Group for Adults, call 231/733-2909.

Michael Brady, PhD
By Sean Myers

Michael Brady, PhD has joined the Pine Rest Mercy Muskegon Clinic as a full-time psychologist. Dr. Brady will provide individual therapy as well as psychological and neuropsychological testing for clients.

Dr. Brady graduated from Central Michigan University and obtained a Master’s degree in general psychology. Dr. Brady earned a PhD from Walden University in Minneapolis. He has contributed a number of writings to the field of psychology.

Those interested in contacting Dr. Brady should call 231/733-8231.

Jennifer Sachek, PhD
By Sean Myers

Jennifer Sachek, PhD, has joined the Pine Rest Psychology team on the main campus. She will be performing her full-time clinical duties at the Psychological Consultation Center.

Dr. Sachek earned a PhD in clinical psychology at Michigan State University. She will be conducting psychological assessments in a variety of areas, including ADHD and autism-spectrum disorders, pre-surgical bariatric evaluations, and personality assessments.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sachek, please call 616/281-6311.

December 12
'Together We Can Understand When Stress Becomes Anxiety'
Featuring Kristen Kish, PhD, LLP, LPC. 6:00 p.m. at the Traverse City Clinic, 1050 Silver Dr., Traverse City. Cost: Free. To register, call 231/947-2255. Click here for more information.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.

December 10
Pine Rest 'Family Connection' Support Group
The Family Connection is a bi-monthly group for families who have a member with a diagnosed mental illness. Helps spouses, parents, siblings, and other caregivers more effectively deal with stress created by symptoms and behaviors. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Pine Rest's Southwest Clinic, 4211 Parkway Place, Suite 100, Grandville. Cost: Free. Facilitated by Jim Vander May, LMSW. Call 616/222-3700, ext. 4 for more information.
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.

December 4, 11, 18, January 8
Anger Management Classes for Teens
The classes will be led by Ryan LaRue MSW, LMSW, ACSW, outpatient therapist at Pine Rest’s Campus Clinic. The classes are designed for males and females, aged 12-17. Each session will be held over the course of four consecutive Tuesdays, from 4:15-5:30 p.m. in the Van Andel Center on Pine Rest’s main campus, 300 68th Street SE in Cutlerville.
Those who attend will receive information on the following:
• How to control anger & prevent angry outbursts
• Identifying the signs of anger
• How to express feelings
• Alternative ways to express anger
• Understanding the difference between anger, aggression, assertiveness & hostility
Additional information is available on the Pine Rest Website.

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Disclaimer

Copyright © 2007, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. All rights reserved. The contents of Mental Health News & Information are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.