Identifying depression
Posted By TINA PEPLINSKIE TPEPLINSKIE@THEDAILYOBSERVER.CA
Updated 2 months ago
Feelings of depression, anxiety and stress may not be as uncommon as some people think.
When deciding on the topic for the first in a series of wellness programs, staff of the Whitewater Bromley Community Health Centre satellite in Beachburg examined the centre's database to determine common issues that affect people using the centre or members of their families.
The first session, planned for Dec. 2 at the Cobden Civitan Hall, will focus on how to identify symptoms of depression, loneliness, feelings of isolation, stress and provide information and skills on how to cope. The information is designed for everyone - men, women, elderly, caregivers, spouses, partners, teenagers and new parents.
As a health-promotions based organization, the health centre decided it would be beneficial to address these common topics on a larger scale instead of continually answering the same questions on an individual basis, explained Registered Nurse Brenda Arbery of the Whitewater Bromley Community Health Centre satellite office in Beachburg.
"We want people to realize these issues aren't as uncommon as people might think, that there are a lot of resources and a lot of simple things that can be done to address them," she said.
Dr. Anne Martin, who works in Killaloe and Cobden, and the centre's social worker Ray Parchelo will serve as guest speakers for the evening, which will include exercises and coping skills.
"We want people to come and learn ways to cope when they are at home so they can do these relaxation exercises, especially with the stress and depression that could occur in the next few months," Ms. Arbery said.
Organizers are hoping to attract people from all age groups for each of the information sessions.
Some of the topics that will be covered during upcoming sessions in the new year will include menopause, postpartum depression, diabetes and healthy weight management. Each will include a local speakers who have a good knowledge base of the issues.
The first session on depression and stress and how to beat the winter blues runs from 6:30 p. m. to 8 p. m. Dec. 2 at the Cobden Civitan Hall. Everyone is welcome. There is no need to pre-register, just show up the night of the meeting.
Tina Peplinskie is a Daily Observer reporter
