When to visit the ER for mood changes

If you or a loved has experienced prolonged sadness or anxiety, or a sudden loss of interest in daily activities, you (or your loved one) may be suffering from clinical depression.

The good news is that clinical depression is treatable. In general, you do not need to go the emergency room for a change in mood, but you should call your doctor and schedule an appointment.

There are situations in which abrupt of severe changes in mood are an emergency. If you think you or a loved one may be a danger to yourself or others, seek emergency help immediately.

Seek ER treatment if you or your loved one experiences or expresses:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Intent to self-harm
• Intent to harm others

If you feel unsafe in any situation, call 9-1-1. If you are having suicidal thoughts, you can also call the crisis hotline at 316.660.7500.

If you or your loved one has a history of suicidal thoughts, severe clinical depression or substance abuse, seek emergency care in the case of a sudden change in mood, especially if you sense danger to yourself or others.

Patients can complete advance check-in to any of Wesley's four emergency rooms with a free mobile app available for Apple iPhones in iTunes and for Android Phones in the Google Play app Store. Patients can also complete advance registration at Wesley ER Check In. Users simple select which Wesley facility they would like to go to and fill out a few required fields. The selected ER will be instantly notified, enabling the ER staff to better prepare for the patient's arrival. The app and website include the facilities' average wait times so patients can better plan their visit.

ER wait times are approximate and provided for informational purposes only. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911.

ER wait times represent a four-hour rolling average updated every 30 minutes and are defined as the time of patient arrival until the time the patient is greeted by a qualified medical professional. Patients are triaged at arrival and are seen by a qualified medical professional in priority order based on their presenting complaint and reason for visit.

The ER wait time represents the time it takes to see a qualified medical professional, defined as a doctor of medicine (MD), doctor of osteopathy (DO), physician assistant (PA) or advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP).

National average wait time is one hour, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HCA hospitals strive to beat the national average.

Wesley's main emergency department also provides Ready Care services, an “express lane” through the emergency department in a convenient, timely setting. These services are an alternative care route to the regular emergency department where treatment is determined on the severity of the patient's condition. Ready Care is ideal for patients who need immediate care for small emergencies, such as sprains, sore throats, ear infections and rashes. The service area is managed by providers trained in emergency medicine and is fully supervised by board-certified physicians. Patients are referred to the area through the regular emergency department.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact 911 or seek medical attention immediately.