Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons — seasonal affective disorder (SAD) begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. These symptoms often resolve during the spring and summer months. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer and resolves during the fall or winter months.
Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), counseling, and medications.
Don’t brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the “winter blues” or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.
Learn more in this article by Keri Lipperini, Director, Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs, Administration for Community Living.
“Winter is upon us. While some may enjoy the colder climates, others may start withdrawing from activities and disconnecting from family and friends. Those who suffer from seasonal depression will face an even harder battle as they withdraw until springtime returns. The decline of outdoor activities, followed by a lack of social interaction during the winter months, could easily lead you to feel isolated and lonely.
Research shows that social isolation and loneliness can have a detrimental impact on your health and well-being. In fact, studies by Julianne Holt-Lunstad at Brigham Young University found that prolonged social isolation is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and more harmful than obesity. Other studies have found that being socially isolated increases your risk of being targeted for abuse and neglect. Older adults who lack social connections or report frequent feelings of loneliness also tend to suffer higher rates of injuries, infection, depression, cognitive decline, and early death. That is a profound impact!
Social isolation is complex. Chronic disease, speech or hearing impairments, inadequate transportation options, and settings that are not accessible for people with physical and mental disabilities can each make social isolation worse. You may choose to stay home, where you feel comfortable, because you feel anxious or embarrassed about your health or disabilities. Depression, anxiety, early-stage dementia, and other mental health concerns, can also increase your risk of social isolation. Additionally, If you no longer drive and have limited, or no, access to public transportation, you are more likely to face social isolation. This is a particular concern in many rural communities.
In addition to social isolation being complex; it is not always easy to spot. Just because you live alone, or spend a lot of time alone, doesn’t mean you are socially isolated and you can be socially isolated even if you have an extroverted personality and appear socially engaged. Social isolation is not about being in a room full of people, or having a lot of “friends” on social media, it is about feeling connected.
Feeling connected means being understood. People often isolate themselves because they feel no one understands what they are going through.
So, how do you spot social isolation? You may want to start by thinking about how you have changed over time. For example, are you less excited about things you once enjoyed? Do you feel distant from people or misunderstood? If you are a caregiver, does your loved one seem less excited about events they once looked forward to, such as the annual car show or regular social functions? These changes could be red flags indicating social isolation.
Your risk of social isolation can increase as you get older for a variety of reasons, including bereavement and greater risk of disabilities that effect mobility or communication. Nearly one in five Americans age 65 and older are socially isolated.
However, social isolation can effect anyone at any time. As a veteran who experienced deployments and the transition from military to civilian life, I am no stranger to the effects of social isolation. Anyone, no matter their age, can withdraw or disconnect from family, friends, or the community.
You may be wondering, what can be done? Studies show that being active and engaged in your community are great ways to tackle social isolation.
One such study was an evaluation of ACL’s nutrition program, which provides meals to older adults. Ninety three percent of participants who receive meals in congregate settings, such as senior centers, were socially active and satisfied with their opportunities to spend time with other people. The typical congregate meal participant does not experience loneliness and only seven percent of congregate meal participants screened positively for depression.
Some other ways to engage in meaningful social activities include:
Volunteering or mentoring in your community
Visiting your local senior or community center
Seeking out leadership roles in a civic organization or faith community
Signing up for a cooking, exercise, falls prevention, chronic disease self-management, or other class
You can also learn about assistive technology solutions, such as hearing aids and wheelchair ramps, which can make it easier for you to stay active in your community. If you are a caregiver, encourage your loved ones to engage in meaningful social activities that increase opportunities for socialization. If your loved one is unable to get out of the house, a daily phone call or visitor can make a huge difference.
Ultimately, tackling social isolation is about making our communities more accessible, inclusive, and caring. If you think someone in your community is at risk of social isolation, you can start by reaching out. Try asking if they would like a visit or invite them to join you on an outing.
To learn more about programs and services in your community that can help you or a loved one get more engaged, go to eldercare.acl.gov or call 800-677-1116.”
It’s extremely difficult to lose people we care deeply for whether they move on from a shared workplace, move out of a residence, leave a relationship, or pass away. Please take some time to care for yourself in you’re dealing with grief this holiday season.
Iowa Co.
Sharing Grief of Loss- 2nd Thursday of each month.
7:00pm – 9:00pm at Iowa County Health and Human Services Building. 303 W. Chapel St. Dodgeville, WI 53533.
We appreciate the article today in the Grant County Herald Independent covering Unified Community Services being one of only two governmental entities recognized in the State of Wisconsin as a “Vets Ready Employer!”
Some important, practical tips can help minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays. These tips may even help you enjoy the holidays more than expected. See below for an article by Peter Reisner MD. The source of the article is linked below.
Through the endless parties, cooking, shopping and cleaning, try taking one of 9 steps to ensure you have a stress-free holiday:
1. Plan ahead.
Between co-workers, friends and family, it’s inevitable that some commitments will end up on the same day. Make sure to plan on what you can attend in person or virtually. If you’re hosting the holidays, create a menu to help you stay organized and make grocery shopping easier.
2. Say no.
With holiday commitments, it is OK to say no to a few or all of them. It also will help relieve some stress. Try sharing your to-do list with other family members.
3. Plan spending.
The holidays mean spending money. Make a budget and stick to it. Spending money on your loved ones is important, but it’s also important to pay your energy bill. Don’t buy gifts that you’ll be paying off for the rest of the year.
4. Create relaxing surroundings.
Turn on some music, light some candles or open the windows on a sunny day. Research has found that listening to music and the scent of citrus can boost feelings of well-being, and vitamin D is always a happiness booster.
5. Maintain healthy habits.
The holidays are notorious for ruining healthy habits. A short workout each morning will help your decision-making throughout the day. Encourage your family to try snow shoeing or sledding to get in extra exercise. Eat healthy snacks like fresh fruit or vegetables throughout the season and to fill up before a dinner party or celebration with tempting, but unhealthy, foods.
6. Share feelings.
Spending a holiday after a loss in the family can be difficult. Accept your feelings and open up about them to others. It may make you feel better to share. Try to switch up old traditions to ease the loss.
7. Respect differences.
Family members will have different viewpoints than your own. Try your best to forgive and forget this holiday season. Focus on your similarities, and replace tension with something productive.
8. Be realistic.
You are only one person, and you can only do so much. Be realistic with how much you can handle this season. Forget about perfection, and relax and enjoy the company surrounding you.
9. Take a break.
Don’t forget about your own needs. Take a nap, go for a short walk, read a book or watch a funny movie. Laughing relaxes the whole body, and can relieve physical tension and stress.
Holidays are meant to be a fun, enjoyable time with friends and family. These tips can help ensure you truly enjoy your holidays when stress starts to set in.
Free Sources of Strength Adult advisor training opportunity for people in Southwest Wisconsin Region who work with youth. Attend to learn about the program and support our schools!
Adult Advisor trainings usually cost $300.00 per person to attend, but this one-time offer is free for community members in our SW WI region to increase awareness.
Presented by: A National Sources of Strength trainer
Who should attend: Anyone working with children or young adults!
Sponsored by: Unified Community Services
DETAILS:
Training Date/Time: January 10, 2024, 7:45 am – 2:30 pm
Location: Grant County Fairgrounds, Youth and Ag Center Auditorium
Governor Evers and the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) awarded 17 organizations in the State of Wisconsin an award for being Veteran ready. Unified Community Services was among the 2023 Gold Award winners listed as their fiscal agent Grant County. The DWD initiative, called Vets Ready, awards organizations that “build a support system for Veterans within their workplace, hire and retain more Veterans, and connect to Veterans in the community and their families. Every year the Department of Workforce Development recognizes businesses who have gone above and beyond for the Veteran workforce.”
One unique focus of the Unified Community Service plan is to include military spouses in the support as they most certainly serve and rarely receive recognition worthy of their sacrifices during and long after the uniform is worn.
With deep gratitude we thank all Veterans, their spouses, and families.
Unified Community Services is proud to report we are one of the 17 organizations in the State of Wisconsin to receive recognition as a Vets Ready employer by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Governor Tony Evers announced the winners in a press release on November 7, 2023. Unified Community Services won a Gold Award for Small Organizations for their onboarding program that celebrates and empowers not only Veterans but also Veterans’ spouses and family members.
The Gold Award is for organizations that show “exemplary leadership in hiring, training, supporting, and advancing Veterans and their families.”
The Vets Ready Initiative encourages employers to “establish a support system within their workplace, hire and retain more Veterans, and connect with Veterans in the community and their families. Every year, DWD recognizes businesses that have gone above and beyond for the Veteran workforce. Businesses are separated into three categories – small, medium, large – and either receive a gold or silver certification.”
At Unified Community Services we are deeply grateful for our incredible staff which includes employees who currently serve in the Armed Forces, Veterans of the Armed Forces, military spouses, former military spouses, and many family members of Veterans. We are indebted to them for their commitment to continued service in Iowa and Grant Counties and for all the selfless good they do every day for our clients, coworkers, and communities.
We’re extremely proud to report we’re Veteran Ready.
