Keeping The Winter Blues At Bay: Free Seminars in Ocean County

Yesterday I blogged about Seasonal Affective Disorder which affects about 10 million Americans, most of them women.  If you’d like to learn more about SAD and the differences between it and a mild case of the blues, consider attending a free workshop at the Ocean County Library.

The discussion will take place at two branches:

Manchester branch, 21 Colonial Drive, 2 p.m. Monday, December 5 (732-657-7600.)

Lakewood branch, 301 Lexington Avenue, at 3 p.m. Monday, December 12 (732-363-1435.)

The Center for Healthy Aging at Monmouth Medical Center’s Southern Campus will lead the discussion about causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

There’s no charge to attend but registration is required.  You can register by calling the branch of the library you want to go to.   Refreshments will be served.

If the short days and early darkness plus the cold temperatures have you feeling down, consider attending one of the talks at the library.

And until then, here are some suggestions from Angela Lynch of Ocean Mental Health Services:

Get a physical exam and make sure you’re in good physical health.  Talk to your doctor about any possible vitamin deficiencies.
•      Make it a point to get outside during the day throughout the winter months
•      Exercise (preferably outside)
•      Journaling is a great way to track your symptoms
•      Light therapy boxes are gaining popularity

What do you do to keep the winter blues at bay?