HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital Breese issued the following announcement on Feb. 13.
While love may be in the air with Valentine’s Day, the cold wintery days with little to no sun can be difficult to handle for many. These winter days that are short and dark can lead many people begin to experience symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD.
This mood disorder is linked to seasonal changes in light and is marked by periods of depression, fatigue, poor eating habits, mood swings and social avoidance. These symptoms typically begin during the late fall, as the daylight hours shorten, and continue through the winter months as we begin to see more gray skies, less sunlight and cold weather that keeps people indoors.
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese supports the following tips provided by American Psychiatric Association to help overcome SAD this winter.
Get outside: Take a long walk, eat lunch at a nearby park or simply sit on a bench and soak up the sun. Even on cold or cloudy days, outdoor light can help — especially if you spend some time outside within two hours of getting up in the morning.
Light up your life: Whether the forecast is sunny or cloudy, open the blinds or drapes throughout the house. Being able to look outside and take in natural light can provide an instant boost to your spirits.
Watch what you eat: Avoid foods that are high in sugar or fat and limit alcohol consumption. Instead eat protein, vegetables, fruits and complex carbohydrates for a nutritional energy boost.
Practice stress management: Learn techniques to manage your stress better. Unmanaged stress can lead to depression, overeating or other unhealthy thoughts and behaviors.
Surround yourself with your favorite people: Friends and family can provide warmth, strength and stimulation to keep you feeling positive through the winter months.
If you are experiencing a combination of these symptoms, please consult your physician. For more information about SAD please refer to: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/seasonal-affective-disorder.
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Senior Renewal
St. Joseph’s Hospital offers an outpatient program called Senior Renewal for adults (generally) 60 years and over who are dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, “nerves” and other mood disorders. The program works to restore a sense of well-being and quality of life and helps participants return to the peak of their capabilities.
Senior adults often face unique emotional problems that can make life abnormally difficult. Growing old does not mean that emotional despair has to be accepted. The quality of life can be renewed as the feelings of despair and hopelessness are changed to hope, joy and inner peace. Anxiety, depression, lack of motivation, and sadness due to grief can be minimized or resolved by effective treatment.
To refer yourself, a patient or a loved one to St. Joseph’s Senior Renewal, call the office at 618-526-5699 to schedule a confidential assessment. Staff will request some information and will promptly schedule an appointment. All initial screenings are free of charge. St. Joseph’s Hospital works closely with referring health care professionals so that timely communications can take place with families, physicians, social services agencies and others.
Original source can be found here.
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