Giving Secrets a Voice
Facebook, You Tube, My Space….the internet has become a platform for teens to share their secrets. Maranda talked with Jacob Schemmel of Rockford who has created a You Tube video that has over a million hits!
Depression
Bullying Warning Signs & Resources
If your child is struggling with bullying, depression or suicide there are resources out there to help.
Our friends at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services have provided the list below:
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
1-800-678-5500
www.pinerest.org
Family Futures
616-454-4673
www.familyfutures.net
Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
616-391-9000
www.helendevoschildrens.org
American Psychological Association
1-800-374-2721
www.apa.org
Committee for Children
1-800-634-4449
www.cfchildren.org
No more winter ‘blahs’!
In my last blog, I provided some basics about Seasonal Affective Disorder. And now, just in time for the big anticipated snowfall this week, I’ll be sharing some practical ways you can stay healthy—emotionally, mentally, and physically—as you try to keep S.A.D at bay.
Try something new: Even if a trip to the Caribbean is not a realistic idea for you right now (this is actually a suggestion for the treatment of S.A.D!), there are still new ventures you can engage this season. Is there a hobby, an interest that you could explore? Is there a project list that requires you to be indoors in order for you to complete? Is there a relationship that you’ve been meaning to give attention to or a community/global cause that has ignited your heart? Trying something new keeps your mind energized and keeps you engaged with what sparks your interests and passions.
Move your body: There is quite the buzz about a yoga studio that opened up in my neighborhood recently. The unique thing about this studio is that it is heated to near 90 degrees while you take the yoga class. Imagine coming in from the cold, exercising, and by the end most likely wishing you were back out in the cold again! Moving your body in a new way is a good strategy for keeping things lively this winter.
Feeling S.A.D?
Around this time of year, I hear a lot of complaints about the weather. I even complain myself sometimes! It is gray. It is cold. The snow never seems to end. Many clients that I have struggle with depression, and the symptoms they experience sometimes feel worse this time of year. The holidays and celebrations are over. Spring Break feels like it’s a long ways away. The sun doesn’t come out much. It’s easy to feel blue just thinking about our West Michigan climate this time of year. For many years, I’ve been hanging on to the notion that our summers make all of this winter gray worth it. How many of you agree with me?
I want to share some information about Seasonal Affective Disorder. Maybe you feel down and don’t feel like yourself—are you wondering if it’s connected to this season? When you look back on the past years, do certain patterns of your mood emerge based on the time of year? Our moods are affected by our hormones, by light, even by body temperature, all of which are affected by changes in season.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression—it’s beyond feeling like you have “cabin fever.” If you are feeling like you just cannot shake the “winter blahs” no matter what you’ve tried, you may want to read on…
Teens & Depression
Just how real is depression among teens in West Michigan? We brought in an expert from Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services to give us the facts.
Feeling sunny?
Do you ever experience your mood lifting when it is sunny outside? I know I do. It’s been gray and rainy here for a couple of weeks and it’s so easy to let our thoughts and our feelings follow this–feeling down in the dumps, unmotivated, or “blah” as I often call it.
While I write this, I’m looking out my window–it’s a bright, beautiful, pure blue sky kind of day. I feel energetic and motivated to carry out my plans for today. For some people, once the weather lifts, their mood does not. Do you know anyone like this (maybe it’s you)? I’m not talking about just having a bad day, because we all have those at one time or another.
I am talking about experiencing consistently over time—the past 2 weeks or more– feelings, attitudes, or behaviors that you thought might lift, but just seem to be sticking around. And the sun isn’t helping.
Here are some signs that you or someone close to you might be struggling with depression. If you identify with several of these signs, be encouraged that there are ways to address this or to help a friend or family member get help…
- Little interest or pleasure in doing things that you normally enjoy.
- Feeling down or “under a cloud”, perhaps more tearful than normal.
- Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much.
- Feeling tired or having little energy.
- Feeling more irritable or angry than you usually are (perhaps your friends and family have noticed this).
- Feeling bad about yourself – thinking you are a failure or criticizing yourself frequently.
- Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading or watching TV.
- Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed. Or the opposite: being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual.
- Physical issues—sore muscles and body aches can be signs of stress related to depression.
Now, here’s hoping for more sunny days ahead…
For more information on behavioral health issues, or to seek assistance, go to www.pinerest.org
Struggling from the Blues?
Once the holidays have passed and the realities of winter set in, it’s normal to feel a certain amount of let down. How can you tell if the winter blues are more serious than that? Here are common symptoms to look out for:
· Down mood
· Feelings of hopelessness
· Loss of energy
· Social withdrawal / isolating
· Increased sleep
· Loss of interest in things usually enjoyed
· Increased carb appetite / weight gain
If you or a family member are struggling with some of these symptoms, here are some things in addition to getting them professional help that you can do to help your loved one cope.
Let there be light. Make your home sunnier and brighter. Open blinds, add skylights and trim tree branches that block sunlight.
Encourage them to get out. Get outdoors on sunny days, even during winter months.
Blogs
Maranda's Blog
Keep in step with Maranda as she explores issues affecting your family.
Maranda's Go-To Gal
Insights from the mom who helps Maranda get it all done.
Whitecaps Blog
Whitecaps mascot Crash takes you inside the ballpark.
Cruiser's Blog
Cruiser has the inside track for Craig's Cruisers.
Health & Wellness
Make health and wellness a priority.
Fifth Third River Bank Run
On pace with the Fifth Third River Bank Run.
Healthy Living
Simple solutions for healthy living.
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