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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1995-03-01, Page 5Lifestyle - Are you suffering from depression? BY TIM CUMMING Expositor Editor The emotional 'blahs' you may feel during the winter months could have a scientific basis, according to a Mental Health educator. There is a very big connection between depression and the winter season, said Jodi Jerome, public educator with the Canadian Mental Health Association. Human beings may be getting a shortage of the nutrients they need from sunlight, said Jerome, who was speaking on Women and Depression at the Seaforth Women's Resource Centre as part of The Information Exchange speakers' series. A good indicator of clinical depression is when the condition lasts for more than three weeks, she said. If someone feels they are suffering from depression they should see a family doctor. "If you start to recognize that's happening to you, that's a time to go to a family doctor for pro- fessional help." • The speaker told about 15 women at the Women's Resource Centre that depression is an illness and not something people can just "snap out of." There arc several symptoms which could suggest someone has the illness, according to Jerome. Interrupted sleep patterns (more or less than usual) could be one indi- cator. Also, they could have a pre- occupation with failures and an inability to focus on the good things in life. There could be a preoccupation with what has gone wrong and a deep feeling of hopelessness. They might start to lose interest in the things they once enjoyed doing. A depressed person can also have difficulty expressing emotions. "At some point in our lives we go through periods of depression," said Jerome. "One in seven will suffer from depression at one point in their life." Some people can't admit to them- selves they are suffering from it. TIM CUM NG PHOTO WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTRE SERIES - Kathleen Scott, of the Seaforth Women's Resource CenTre, talks with Jodi Jerome, public educator with the Canadian Mental Health Association. "Like any illness you go through a period of denial." When sufferers get past the denial stage, said Jerome, they can reach some level of acceptance and learn more about it. At several times during Wednesday's lecture she mentioned the importance of educa- tion. Knowledge is power, she said, and people have to educate them- selves about their conditions. No one health care professional has all the answers. "We know our bodies and our- selves better than anyone else, we have a lot of knowledge we need to share with them," said Jerome. "They're busy people who are overbooked, they don't have the time to read all the information that comes in daily on these illnesses." People should find out about their medicines by asking their pharma- cists and be aware of possible side effects. It may take 10 years for a sufferer of depression to find the pro- fessional help they need. For instance, they might not click with the first councillor they sce. "If you're not being served well it's not necessarily your fault." Maplewood Manor news The prediction of residents for Maplewood Manor's Wiarton Willie contest proved correct - six more weeks of winter - a dreadful thought to many! Dorothy Scott was the lucky winner of the contest. Students of the grade 6-7 class of Scaforth Public School make week- ly visits to Maplewood. Residents enjoy the lively games of crockinole, shuffleboard and euchre shared with the children. Carol Carter started the month off with a most enjoyable hour of music. Since it was February, she chose a selection of love songs to sing along to. Residents gather in the lounge for `Expositor Hour' where articles from the paper are read aloud and discussion follows. A great way to keep up with the times. On Feb. 14 everyone gathered in the dining room for a Valentine's Day party.Pri7es were awarded to those winning the skill testing quizzes, guessing games and bean bag toss. Thanks go to Bill Gibson who entertained residents with their favorite tunes on Valentines' Day evening. Movie of the month was 'Lassie'. It's always a favourite amongst our folks. • Residents gather around the piano to enjoy hymn sing every Sunday Morning. Thanks to Minna Scott who is always there to provide the music. Church services are always a highlight at Maplewood. Thanks to Rev. Redden and Rev. Cook for their visits. The road to Clinton was clear for our 'dining out' trip. A most enjoy- able outing. Cheryl Wilkinson continues to keep the women busy with baking club. The cookies and loaves turned out great! Funny how the gentlemen show up just in time for taste test- ing!! Weekly activities of euchre, crafts and bingo are enjoyed by residents. Thanks to Anne Downey and Marjory Maloney for helping with euchre and to Betty Hams and Barbara Scott for their crafty ideas. The Snowdon Emporium of Burlington will be at Maplewood on March 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 'noon. Everyone is welcome to come and join us. See you there. Retirement home events Well, Seaforth Manor Retirement Home finally got a real taste of winter last month and now it's hard to believe that spring is just around the corner. It will be nice to see the birds singing outside again; and people enjoying activities in the fresh air. Thanks to First Presbyterian church for giving residents Cinna- mon Heart Candies on Valentine's Day. On Feb. 16, Seaforth Manor Retirement -Home residents were fortunate to have the Hensa11 Chris- tian Singers perform. It's always a pleasure listening to their wonderful voices singing music. Hcnnetta Brown showed her musical talents on Feb. 19. She Seaforth Manor Retirement Home played gospel hymns and old time music on the piano. Seaforth Manor Retirement Home residents have been enjoying movies brought in by staff mem- bers. When the weather is cold outside, it's nice to warm and com- fortable inside and curl up to watch a movie with others. Get -well wishes are extended to Hazel Harburn. Until next month take care and Happy St. Patrick's Day! Women's Institute meet Seaforth Women's institute held the Feb. 14 meeting at the home of Olive Papple's. Clarissa Stewart introduced the guest speaker Dave Murray, a lawyer who gave some good point's on assigning Power of Attorney and your well. Helen MacKenize thanked Dave and presented him with a gift. Roll Call was answered by twelve mem- bers and one guest. Minutes were read and approved and the treasurer's report given by Sarah Elliott. Thank you cards came from the Adult Care Centre. Workshop is Monday, March 127 Clinton. Wednesday, March 29 Elma Mem- 1 oriel Community Centre Workshop April 6 Cold Springs. Quilt material has been bought. Lunch committee is Helen MacKcnize and Marion Gordon. The meeting was turned over to Clarissa Stewart. Betty Hulley gave a reading. Anena Crozierave a Valentine's Reading. Clarissa Stewart conducted a Valentine's contest. Doris Hugill thanked everybody for taking pan and thanked Olive and for her home. Lunch was served by Jean Keys, Jessie McGregor Helen MacKcnize. Next meeting will be March 14. There are medications and approaches to living ('wellness tips') which can help sufferers cope. For instance, people who can't say 'No' can learn to not accept so much. A daily walk is an important coping tool, said Jerome. She said there is a very vital link between physical activity and mental health. "Getting out and getting some fresh air adds tremendous things for mental health." Eating well is also an important way of preserving mental health. "We don't run our cars on water so why do we run our bodies on anything less than the gas we need?" Depression can also be an indica- tion of physical disease, according to Jerome. (Thyroid disease can cause symptoms of depression, heart medication can also have side effects which include symptoms of depression.). Depression is one of the more manageable illnesses, according to the Mental health educator. "You can live a normal day-to-day life...it doesn't mean you have to stop living or working towards dreams." Family members can do things to support someone ,with depression. Give advice when it's asked for not when you want to give it, said Jerome. "If they're made to feel they can't talk about it and what they feel isn't valid they'll keep it inside and that's when depression is worse." People suffering from depression may feel lonely and worthless. They may also have lethargy, where there is a big effort to get out of bed or to complete the smallest task around the house. Jerome said depression can be as threatening as cancer because those who suffer from the condition are more apt to commit suicide. "Suicide is a real threat with depression," she said. Depression is "probably one of the biggest, darkest holes people can fall into." Talking about suicide is necessary to prevent it, she said. "We need to be able to talk about it, not whisper about it." Here are some of the upcoming topics featured in the Seaforth Women's Resource Centre The Information Exchange speakers' series: •Know about breast cancer, with Nancy Riehl of the Canadian Can- cer Society on March 22. •The relationship between substance abuse and violence, with Merle Thomas of the Huron Addiction Assessment and Referral Centre on April 26. •Women and stress, with Mary Anne Shaw, of Community Psy- chiatric Services, on May 24. Here are some facts about depression which were given during Thursday's speaker presentation: •Twice as many women than men are reported to, be suffering from depression. •Women are two times more likely than men to be given prescriptions to deal with depression. 'The elderly, the poor and immi- grants are more likely to be medi- cated than counselled. •Only 17 per cent of psychiatrists and 33 per cent of psychologists are women. THE HURON EXPOSITOR, March 1, 1993-5 We Offer • Vacation stays for as long as you like. • Convalescent Care • Independent Living in a home -like atmosphere. ROOMS AVAILABLE Including housekeeping. laundry. meals and activities. Rooms Starting At: SEAFORTH MANOR RETIREMENT HOME For u. re uilormatlon or to discuss your inch h!dual needs. Call... 527-0030 CINDY DEGROOF - RETIREMENT HOME lip JAMES ST.. SEAFORTH DIRECTOR „ hitt to ar" Fop all , FirewoodN d' WOOD LOGS Delivered in Truckloads • AUBURN • HARDWOOD SLABS BODY WOOD Made For You With Our Firewood Processor. Delivered In Truckloads. - approximately 1/2 the price of Body Wood We deliver in 17 Cubic Yard Boxfuls e el %it /fftotedeate 519-526-7220 SERVICE ... while you wait o FINE JEWELLERY REPAIRS D CHAIN REPAIRS o RING SIZING ❑ RE -TIPPING AND CLAW REPAIRS Also available.. stone resetting, fine jewellery appraisals, custom and special order jewellery F VSTETT JEWELLERSLIMITED 40 Corner, Clinton 2-3901 ToII Free 1-800-727-1556 Clinton Store Only! See what customer Mike Scott had to say about being comfortable • Heating systems designed to meet your needs • Professiond%` installation • Guaranteed w', • Savings on your heating & hot water bills Working with with your best Ind. Mr. Don Edward c/o Edward Fuels Ltd. 263 Huron Rd., Goderich N7A 2Z8 19Dec94 Re: Recent installation of Hot Water Heater and Air Handier Dear Don: All too often, a person in a business such as yours receives more complaints than letters of satisfaction. This letter is definitely of the later genre. in October of this year, 1 contacted numerous local heating contractors in order to obtain.quotes on adding a Supplementary heating system to our house. To my surprise, the majority of them didn't even bother getting back to me. However, your rep. a Don Cooper, attended the house at the set time and was more than helpful in discussing the various options open to us. Less than a week later, he contacted me again to advise me that he had prepared a quote and that he would like to discuss things further with me. He presented a detailed breakdown of the proposed work to be done along with the final price. From the onset, I was more than impressed with his professional demeanor and his obvious concern for the customer. It was not hard making the decision to sign with your company. The proverbial icing on the cake came when the installers - Doug and Dennis showed up a few weeks later and went out of their way to consult with me on several small items that I'm sure other tradespeople would have simply forged ahead and done without the homeowner's input. Moreover, their installation work was wonderfully executed and well thought out. As a result, we are enjoying a warm house and seemingly unlimited hot water with what really was minimal disruption. Once again, what a treat it was to deal with a company that was professional from beginning to end and still had time for the small customer. Please feel free to show this letter to any prospective clients. Thanks warmly (pun intended!), Mike Scott Westfield 7i RI 24-8388 CLINTON � 482 7