Media Coverage

Daily Record
By Shawn D. Aiken
January 17, 2007

There's help for the winter blues
'SAD' explained at free workshop

For those who have noticed attitude and mood swings in a parent, sibling, co-worker or significant other over the winter months, it may be noted that "'tis the season to be grumpy."

It is the time of year when seasonal affective disorder, or mid-winter blues, affects millions of people worldwide.

Today at 7:30 p.m., NewBridge Services, a nonprofit community provider of behavioral health and education services, will work in conjunction with Parish Nursing of Pompton Plains, to present a free seminar on how to cope with SAD at the Grace Chapel, First Reformed Church in Pompton Plains.

The symptoms of SAD are identifiable and mimic the seasonal grouchiness people experience with the pressures that surround the holidays, only these symptoms are directly linked to the change in seasons, with the days getting shorter, nights getting longer and the onset of cold weather and decreased sunlight.

Lack of energy, prolonged sleeping, weight gain and increased carbohydrate intake are some of the milder symptoms associated with the mid-winter blues. SAD, the more severe form of mid-winter blues, has similar symptoms that are more serious, somewhat similar to bipolar disorder.

L. Michelle Borden, a licensed clinical social worker who has worked almost 10 years at NewBridge, said weather can affect how much energy an individual has.

"The winter's shorter days and longer nights can negatively impact our energy levels,"Borden said.

Borden will present the workshop, which will address the signs and symptoms of mid-winter blues and offer information and strategies to help maintain a better energy level and improve a sufferer's outlook.

Borden said she would not be surprised to see the onset of SAD delayed a bit with the record-setting warmth so far this year, but she notes that it has more to do with shorter days and longer nights than temperature.

"Some people seek professional help when the symptoms of SAD start to interfere with job, family and social activities," Borden said. Besides turning to friends, family and spiritual leaders for help, those who need clinical treatment may be prescribed Lithium, a mood stabilizer.