Terri George, Admissions Director for Envoy of Staunton, presented a program on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is different than just having the “winter blues” which can come and go. SAD is a type of depression in the fall and winter (it can actually happen in the spring and summer as well), displaying different symptoms. The symptoms for the winter variety of SAD can be mild to severe as the season progresses and include depression, hopelessness, anxiety, loss of energy, heaviness in the arms and legs, social withdrawal, excessive sleeping, craving high carb foods, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating.
Sometimes it can be difficult to make a diagnosis as SAD can mimic other conditions. There is help available through light or photo therapy, medications, and psychotherapy. Other things that may help are making sure one is in a sunny, bright environment, getting outside, and getting plenty of exercise. The most likely cause of SAD is individual body chemistry.
Terri comes to SSC every third Tuesday at 10:45am to present a health program. SSC offers a variety of health related programs at 10:45am on the second Tuesday, and second and fourth Thursdays as well, graciously provided by other area health care agencies, and the public is welcome to attend.
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