The Sentinel

Is it depression, ADHD or bipolar disorder?

Illustration: Goska Malgoska/Pixabay

by Tim Ditman
OSF Healthcare

DANVILLE - Lavender Zarraga, APRN, a behavioral health provider at OSF HealthCare, says it’s not uncommon for her patients to ask for a medication that isn’t the right fit.

The culprit? She says symptoms of common mental health issues like depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder can overlap. So, it’s important to stay in contact with your provider to make sure you’re on the best treatment plan.

On depression mimicking ADHD: “You have changed executive functioning. You can’t decide. You feel dull. You can’t concentrate,” Zarraga says. “You have a hard time learning new things. You can’t remember things or forget things easily. Attention and concentration are low. You think ‘Why am I processing everything so slow?.’”

Lavender Zarraga, APRN

Zarraga adds that she’s seen people with depression take prescribed medicine and feel better, but then residual symptoms that mimic ADHD creep in. And, she says, ADHD can seem like bipolar disorder.

“If you start somebody on an antidepressant and they have an underlying bipolar disorder that they have not been diagnosed with, that can trigger mood symptoms. It could potentially trigger mania [a high energy period where high-risk behaviors can occur],” Zarraga says.

It’s a lot to sort out, and it may make the person feel like they have a whole new set of problems.

“Talk to a provider. See what’s going on,” Zarraga says to people in that situation, noting that kids should not have to carry these issues into adulthood.

“There’s a lot of talking involved,” she adds. “Let’s start from the beginning. Let’s go back to your childhood. How were you doing then? And we relate that to how you are now.”

From there, Zarraga says treatment could include more counseling or different medication. She says medicine for children is more straightforward. But for adults, a provider will make sure the pill isn’t impacting the rest of the person’s body.

There are also science-backed written tests that can help diagnose someone with ADHD. Questions along the lines of: Can you sit still in class? Does your mind wander all the time?

And a word for caregivers, friends and family members: watch for symptoms of these disorders in your loved ones and have a conversation, if needed. Don’t ignore things, Zarraga says.

“There’s nothing wrong with just talking about it. It’s not going to hurt anybody to discuss it,” she says, noting that society is now more accepting of mental health issues.

Signs to watch for in your close companion: irritability, aggression, anxiety and trouble sleeping. If you or someone you know needs to talk to a professional quickly, the national suicide and crisis lifeline is 9-8-8.

Congresswoman, education leaders to tour local trades training center

During last November's Open House, Local 149 instructor Andy Currie provided a high school student with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in pipefitting. At the beginning of the week, officials from Parkland College and the University of Illinois, along with Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, will tour the training facility.

PhotoNews Media file photo

SAVOY - One year after opening its state-of-the-art training center, United Association Local 149 will host U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski and officials from Parkland College, the University of Illinois, and the chemical industry for a tour on Tuesday at 3 p.m. The event, held at the 24,000 square-foot facility on North Dunlap Avenue, will focus on economic growth and local job opportunities created by the training center.

Rep. Budzinski is known for advocating higher wages, better benefits, and workplace safety protections for firefighters, grocery workers, and meatpackers. She led efforts to raise Illinois' minimum wage to $15 an hour and chaired the Broadband Advisory Board to expand internet access in rural communities. During her time at the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, she helped implement the American Rescue Plan and establish the Made in America Office to bring jobs back to the U.S. and strengthen the economy. Budzinski was elected to Congress in 2023, representing Illinois’ 13th District.

Local 149 provides world-class training, such as specialized instruction in medical gas piping services, helping members meet industry needs.

Trustee Dave Smithenry demonstrates troubleshooting air conditioning systems at last year's Open House.

PhotoNews Media file photo

The tour will feature hands-on demonstrations from union members and interviews with apprentices, union officials, and representatives from the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois and the American Chemistry Council. The event highlights Local 149’s role in preparing its 600 members, including plumbers, pipefitters, and HVAC technicians, for the growing job market in the chemical manufacturing sector.

In addition to meeting the needs of its customers by mastering various piping systems and prioritizing the safety of its members and customers, the members of Local 149 are committed to delivering exceptional service on every project. Members also support the communities in which they live by donating resources and countless hours to charitable organizations, including the United Way, the Salvation Army, the March of Dimes, and many local causes.

The union is currently accepting applications for its 2025 apprentice class. For more information call (217) 359-5201.

Undefeated SJO postseason campaign starts this Saturday, Spartans host West Frankfort at 2 p.m.

Seniors Gabe Mata (71), Charlie Schmitz (21) and the Spartans celebrated a win #9 over Paxton-Buckley-Loda at Dick Duval Field on Friday. The St. Joseph-Ogden football team will be back on their home turf on Saturday for their first-round playoff game against 5-4 West Frankfort.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

ST. JOSEPH - The St. Joseph-Ogden football team is set to host West Frankfort in the opening round of the Class 3A football playoffs this Saturday at 2 p.m. at Dick Duval Field. The Spartans, coming off a strong regular season, will face a Redbirds team that fought its way into the postseason after a pivotal Week 9 win over Sparta. This marks West Frankfort's first playoff appearance in five years, entering the matchup with a 5-4 record.

West Frankfort, a bubble team for much of the season, secured its playoff berth with a dominant 50-14 victory over Sparta, where the Redbirds tallied 518 total yards, including 367 on the ground from 41 carries. Led by standout running back Travion Johnson, West Frankfort has shown an explosive rushing attack that could pose a challenge for SJO's defense. Johnson had a career night in Week 4 against Pinckneyville, rushing for 334 yards and five touchdowns on just 20 carries. His ability to break off big plays, including runs of 67 and 80 yards, has been a key factor in the Redbirds’ offensive success.

In addition to Johnson, the Redbirds have several other contributors in the ground game. Jace Bennett, Lucas Parker, and Chace Patterson have all made significant impacts in the running game, as West Frankfort piled up 520 rushing yards in their Week 4 win over Pinckneyville. Parker, who serves as the team's quarterback, adds versatility to the offense, having completed 11 of 14 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown in the Redbirds' win over Sparta. His ability to balance the offense with a passing threat will be critical for West Frankfort as they prepare to face SJO's defense.

West Frankfort 2024 Schedule & Results

8/30 Frankfort vs Massac County 51-14
9/6 Frankfort vs Herrin 34-12
9/13 Frankfort vs Carterville 16-21
9/20 Frankfort vs Pinckneyville 61-34
9/27 Frankfort vs Nashville 6-24
10/4 Frankfort vs Duquoin 18-39
10/11 Frankfort vs Benton 18-62
10/18 Frankfort vs Anna-Jonesboro 40-20
10/25 Frankfort vs Sparta 50-14

While West Frankfort’s offense has been prolific in its wins, it has also faced challenges against tougher competition. The Redbirds’ 62-18 loss to Benton in Week 7 highlighted some vulnerabilities, particularly on defense, as Benton jumped out to a 56-6 lead midway through the third quarter. Maintaining consistency on both sides of the ball will be crucial if the Redbirds hope to keep pace with a strong St. Joseph-Ogden squad.

The Spartans enter the game with a home-field advantage and a reputation as one of the top teams in their conference. With an efficient offense and a disciplined defense, SJO will look to contain West Frankfort’s ground attack and force the Redbirds into a more one-dimensional game plan. Key to this strategy will be slowing down Johnson, whose ability to break long runs could quickly swing the momentum in West Frankfort’s favor.

Paxton-Buckley-Loda's Rolen Edison tries to block SJO's Cameron Wagner during their Week 9 Illini Prairie Conference game. St. Joseph-Ogden's offensive and defensive lines benefit from size, speed, and tenacity.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

On offense, the Spartans will test the Redbirds’ defense early, looking to exploit weaknesses that were exposed in losses to teams like Benton and Duquoin. With a balanced attack, SJO will aim to control the tempo and keep West Frankfort’s playmakers off the field.

For St. Joseph-Ogden, after losing 75 yards in penalties in the season finale against Paxton-Buckley-Loda on Friday, this first-round matchup presents an opportunity to set the tone for their playoff run and prepare for their next opponent, the winner of the matchup between Roxana and Unity in week 2.

"This may sound funny, but it was like we were trying too hard," said head coach Shawn Skinner, addressing the penalties SJO accrued. "I thought as a defense, we were trying too hard. You want to play fast, but you don't want to play in a hurry."

He thought his team was "collectively" hurrying too much instead of playing fast with controlled purpose.

"We had our moments when we shot ourselves in the foot. We'll make sure we'll correct it," he said.

The Redbirds finished fourth in the Southern Illinois River-to-River (Mississippi) Conference with a 2-3 record, marking a modest improvement for a team that hasn’t seen much playoff success. Historically, West Frankfort has made only 10 playoff appearances since 1920, making this postseason run a significant achievement for the program. However, their inconsistent play against higher-level competition raises questions about their ability to sustain success in the playoffs.