Huron Expositor, 2002-02-20, Page 106 -THE HURON EXPOSITOR, February 21, 2001
An inside look at....
People coping with blues
during this long winter
Depression
caused
by many
factors
associated
with winter
By Scott Hilg4ndorff
Expositor Editor
...the blues
Despite only having about
seven days worth of sunlight
since mid-December and one
of the hardest winters since
the 1970s, a lot more winter -
related factors can affect
people's moods and be
giving them the blues, said
Seaforth psychologist Dr.
Robert Shepherd.
While some Seaforth
residents may worry they are
suffering from something
worse, having the blues
during a long winter is pretty
common, said Shepherd.
"It's very common for
people to complain about the
blues during the winter,"
said Shepherd, adding they
shouldn't confuse the blues
with a more serious seasonal
affective disorder,
commonly known as SAD.
"Lots of people feel they
have symptoms of a seasonal
disorder," said Shepherd.
However, he said in 10
years, most of the cases he
treats are true depression and
the fact that it corresponds
with the winter season is
coincidence and not SAD.
"1 wish it was the other
way around," he said.
But winter is the most
common time that SAD or
the blues presents itself and
researchers have tried to Link
the disorder, which can
include symptoms of severe
depression, with the absence
of sunlight.
"That hasn't been proven
as the cause," said Shepherd.
People suffering from
SAD are often treated with
doses of an intense light that
simulates sunlight.
"The assumption, is that
gives them more light and a
better mood," said Shepherd.
Although he has used a
light for treatment, he said
even on cloudy days, people
can get a stronger dose of
natural light if they can
spend the time outside.
While Shepherd said there
have been studies that show
an obvious relationship
between depression and
people who move from
southern points to northern
locations where there is less
daylight in the winter, there
are •other factors that
influence people's moods in
the winter that can cause
depression or the blues.
"People become more
housebound," said Shepherd.
Winter storms, particularly
early in the season, reduced
the amount of travel people
could do even within their
own communities.
Outside of some winter
sports, there are fewer events
and activities to draw people
outside.
"It can mean people don't
go out and socialize," said
Shepherd.
"Social supports are really
important with people's
moods," said Shepherd.
Cathie Schalk
administrator at Seaforth
Manor said it's not unusual
to see residents with the
blues.
"We see a lot of
depression at this time of
year," she said.
Residents mope around
and are down because the
weather reduces the amount
of contact they get with
friends and family.
"Sometimes the only
familiar faces people see are
the other residents and
staff," Schalk said.
The facility was closed for
DANCE IN GODERICH
Step
Dancing
• 10 Weeks
Beginning in
March
Instructor:
Jenn
Stacey
(From touring
production or
Swing Step!)
CaMkmptyrary Steps
-t
Introductory
Highland
Dancing
• Saturdays
• 12 Weeks
Beginning in
March
Instructor:
Jennie
Schimanski
Special Guest
Instructor:
Mary Lynn
Telford SDTA,
BATD
PreSchool
Dance
• Tues. Nights
• 10 Weeks
Beginning in
March
3 & 4 yr. olds
(students must
be fully
independent)
Instructor:
Melanie
April
Ballet for Ages 4 to Adplt
Modern Dance 12 to Adult
Coll For Details!
524-2226 or 272-1079
Residents of Seaforth Manor
others helps them cope.
two weeks this month to
help reduce the spread of
stomach flu which
eliminated any outside
visitors including family
members.
Schalk said that closure
hurt people's moods even
more because there were
days with good weather that
visitors couldn't come and
programs with ' school
children and entertainers had
to be cut out.
With the lack of activities
also comes a lack of exercise
which Shepherd said can
also influence a person's
mood.
For example, Shepherd
said a group that normally
goes out walking in the
evenings not only loses the
time in sunlight during the
short winter days but will
also often postpone the
walks until the weather
improves..
In this case, they are
missing out in daylight,
socializing and exercise.
And diets change too.
With fewer food varieties
available in the winter,
Shepherd said people shift to
higher fat diets which have
also been associated with
mood.
For Seaforth Manor
residents, Schalk also sees
people eating and sleeping
better in the summertime
with improved moods.
However, she also said
one of the reasons residents
come to the facility is
because, even when there is
a flu closure, they still have
companionship within the
facility and staff engage
residents in activities. She
worries more about shut-ins
who can go days without
personal contact in their own
homes during the winter.
Schalk said depression is a
normal fact of life at
retirement and nursing
homes and isn't just
associated with the winter
blues.
But, she said, "Moods do
change at this time of year."
Shepherd tries to
encourage patients he secs to
find ways to get more
exercise, socialize more and
eat better to help improve
their moods.
"But when you're
depressed, you don't often
have the energy to get out,"
he said.
"The blues are something
we cope with. We recognize
we're not ourselves but are
able to keep going," he said.
While people can cope
with the blues, when they
start having trouble, it can be
a sign of a more serious
problem.
Shepherd said one way
may still experience the blues
people can tell if they have
more than just the winter
blue is if it is affecting their
work or relationships.
If they are getting behind
in their work or at school or
their relationships are
suffering, he said they need
to see a doctor or a
counsellor in case it's
serious and in need of
treatment.
He stresses people should
not try to solve the problem
themselves.
"People try to self -
medicate. They'll use
alcohol. That usually makes
it worse," he said.
He also said depression
Scott Hilgendorff photo
but a chance to interact with
shouldn't be underestimated.
It affects 10 per cent of the
population and 25 per cent
of women will have a major
depression episode,he said.
"Essentially, depression is
called 'the common cold' of
mental illness," he said,
adding there is no harm in
asking for help if someone is
not sure how serious their
blues are.
"Most people will wait
and see if it lifts, even if it's
the blues. But if we're
feeling blue for a long time,
we should try to do
something about it," he said.
_HEALTH ON THE HILL_
A Review of activities at
SEAFORTH COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
CPR CERTIFICATION Saturday, February 24, 2001 a Heart
Saver Course Certification (1 man cardiopulmonary
resuscitation) for lay persons of the community interested in
knowledge and skills to respond to victims of heart attack, stroke,
sudden accident 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $25.00 and Basic Cardiac
Life Support (BCLS)/CPR including 2 man - infant/child/adult 9
a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost: $35.00. For further information and to
register (deadline Friday Feb. 23rd) please contact Grace
Dolmage @ Seaforth Community Hospital (519) 527-3001.
Registration limited to 10 participants.
"LIVING WITH STROKE" is a program developed by The
Heart and Stroke Foundation for folks facing the challenges of
life after a stroke. Sessions are 90 minutes combining a small
group of stroke survivors, caregivers and a trained,
knowledgeable facilitator. This program does not intend to
replace therapy or treatment, but will provide you with
information and support to help you cope. For further•
information, please contact Sheila Feeney, RPN as soon as
possible at (519) 527-1650.
GRIEF RECOVERY OUTREACH PROGRAM 12 Weeks
that will change your life beginning Tuesday, March 20th, 2001
@ 7:00 p.m. at Seaforth Manor. Register by March 6th to Huron
Hospice Director, Shirely Dinsmore @ 527-0655; limited space
available. Take the first step in your recovery and call today.
MORNING OUT is a Parent Support Group for parents of
newborns in the Seaforth Community Hospital catchment area. A
variety of topics specific to infants ie. nutrition, breastfeeding,
immunization, etc. are offered by Facilitator, Linda Van Wyk, RN
each Friday morning 10:00-11:30 a.m. Childcare can be arranged
no later than Wednesday noon of each week by registering with
Grace at 527-3001.
THANK YOU Seaforth Hospital Auxiliary wish to extend their
sincere appreciation to all who so generously supported their 9th
Annual, "Tree of Lights" Christmas fundraiser making it the best
ever with a total of $5,995.25 received in donations. Proceeds
will be directed toward the purchase of a lift weigh scale and hip
chair for patients convalescing following hip surgery.
We've made the Best
CASei*SeVlb'""
�..tom
2001 fordtaurus se sedan ,
*349* -�
per month/36 month lease
with $3.995 down and $400 security deposit.
Freight and Jratax lnosuded.
Or Lease for
*403 per month with *O down.
or Cash Purchase for
*24, 570••
phn $996 height and air tax.
Including all these great features: • Powor
Adjustable Pedals • 3.OL OHV V8 Engine
• 4 -Speed Automatic • 4 -Wheel ABS • Air
Conditioning • 16" Ak n>irxxn Wheels • AM/FM
Stereo with CD Player • SecuriLock u" Anti -Theft
System • Power Driver's Seat with Lumbar Support
� •
Sellers list.
2001 fordwindstar Ix
$339*
per month/36 month lease
w.th $3,995 down and $400 security deposit.
Freight and air tax included.
Or Lease for
*455 per month with *0 down.
or Cash Purchase for
*25,075
phis $1.056 freight and air tax.
• Over 40 Standard Safety Features
• 3.81 200hp V8 Engine • 4 -Speed Automatic
• Air Conditioning • Dual Slicing Doors • Power
Windows/Locks/Mirrors PLUS *1,700 No
Extra Charge Value (croup:' • Speed Control
• Telt Steering • Privacy Glass • Roof Rack
* * * * * The Ta.fus has earned fore Mars - tM higher* babble l: S goverrmter4 crab test retry - for front •rlpact for both caw* and front resseonger - three years r a row "
We've also topped'the list with 43 international awards on 1999 and 2000 models:'
2001 fordfocus se sedan
*249*
per month/36 month lease
wtth $2.680 down and $300 security deposit
Freight and air tax included.
Or Lease for
*330 per month with *0 down.
or Cash Purchase for
*18,550"
plus $830 height and * tax
expectmore
With all these great
features: • 2.01 Spilt Port
Induction Engine • Automatic
• Air Conditioning • AM/FM
with CD Player • Power Door
Locke with Remote Keyless
Entry • Chid -Proof Rear Door
Locks • 60/40 Spilt Rear Seat
• Dual -Stage Front Air Bags
w.,rw.ford.cm/off.re
WISE MYERS IIEAD 114 LEGAL OOPS 'has a Woe 7001 Waver u Wee, a r lira dry i1.ns saeaure, gm, b sums wows seal* se ass* We r* M t PA ant a 1/ se e, Ms int fur DM r OleaAee.a11 WM r MOrwe
Veer tool Ma oda. It 11U1M111 MI 03Issl0 craw *FM et maim sal .same coo es.a) Mobil rO 1100IK70 NOM MVR *Mal tsaa a rot 7001 fear 4 sense b 111111401 w asses, NM ea at a•er Mee Me 0 1 ir5 sM a
18 .eat. Mee acre foe 6ea se mar* reae beau ' apyrases cruel ISO Me Mow* • i10 Milli* $3 WM am pm* r eaMbe tie neve* 7.4 mare win re 1.00/330 barb ermt mired taw a ear 2001 Ned if Sean, b
1700.5110 per .eM.awl w a Mar are or 0 S 1111 eV a M ser. Me crew kW GSM le saaM MR 5,.s en mewl oeal elan tier MM•M• a 1111/4011.000 *Me 5.•, parneer erasers taw "SAM kr.eas.7t ee1•re N 0001.00
mat IMO riallitheeistilbx e manse MA0WM* sow Sim* ire* Adem 01odaabeeraslam *Mb Maar PaminktWeetaalesaesumansawe0ar-Pwdlaever7011-veerlaWel,1noerndeq.
11 73 Meatal* Beal. w 00 Sprn+aa. SI sea, b $210/3/12e170411340 taw teleses en a awe of *nem Me nada* almost* bed 00156/1140017301 M eeb ebb* aa..oe.11, t Mw.rww len W 0 WM* tea ' '
Men U., Grab SW to IMP b attsrinee Adel vies •s es, *map M erg some asap •Yr be er Yrs b 1w tient Sr den Oft, My W cr.ce41 R III We ..alae mare Men we Meer *bin ani raur M a arose
See Mb b ant '1•r.eaa 1 Cables 0I11 rat Idris Mem Vaal. Y Mel en leas Vol M mad 1a MIMS UMW Mr *OM Nem* 7000 tam a ford e• on Dewey 7000 TeY1 DOWN - for WM Ups* -The NMI are ape
rim far 00 Mese ar.l ase wow Y 11 pawn Mara Weer Irak Sea* Me -slue r Mr, Ow inn say ohm* I.AM 1* N 7000 mildewy 10 kw ***lb pVY IM PO ex MO 00.44 Oram or sir