Post SNM Tour day #12
Started the day with media work – a radio interview for upcoming Saskatoon talk and then a nice invigorating run – a great way to start any day! Thereafter I spoke at a public forum hosted by the CMHA in Fort Frances and had a wonderful time. After that, right back on the road to Winnipeg.
You can never go back in time, but today was as close as it gets. I worked in Fort Frances Ontario for 11 years and have so many, many fond memories. I worked extremely hard medically and played very hard in the arts world. How many concerts promoted? How many community theatre plays done? This was a very busy and productive time in my life (OK so I guess things really haven’t changed that much in my life).
My previous nurse (notice I didn't say my old nurse) - Frieda is still looking absolutely great and was wonderful to see her again.
There were so many familiar faces today and it was such a pleasure to see so many old friends, medical colleagues from the hospital and clinic and many previous patients to share a quick hug and story. So many names I have forgotten, but the flood of memories that came back when the connection was made was huge! So many of the details I instantly remembered as if it were only yesterday. Certainly everything has moved ahead more than a decade but I can honestly say that the vast majority of people looked almost identical to when I left, seemingly not aging at all (really!)
A big thanks to Gina and Cam who hosted us while we were in Fort Frances. We have known them for many, many years and spending time with them always has a welcoming, casual, familiar feeling just like family. They graciously allowed us time to do the never ending business things (even so late in the tour) and we had a great visit catching up on each others lives. Gina’s an Italian mama so you can imagine I didn’t starve during this visit – I HAD to run to burn off at least some of the calories!
(I know, I know...I look like Cam and Gina's little kid - their real son is twice as big as me).
It was a great education day so as the tour winds down – it's time for a bit of education on this blog. I’m running out of blogging days so let’s get some good solid information down in print as this is an awareness campaign you know. The education piece will replace the Random Quote of the Day, or perhaps it can be viewed AS the quote of the day.
Here’s some of the actual text that will be used in the tour educational video which we will be completing tomorrow in Winnipeg.
The SAD no more CANADIAN TOUR 2010 was created to raise awareness about this form of depression because it is poorly understood and not adequately treated.
The key messages of the tour were
1. If you think you have SAD seek professional help and get diagnosed or
If you know someone who might have SAD encourage them to do likewise
2. Start treatment now
3. Learn more about SAD
So here’s some important information about Seasonal Affective Disorder
SAD is a recurring form of depression which comes in the fall and winter and gets better in the spring and summer. The hallmarks of this type of depression are low mood, food cravings and weight gain, low energy and increased sleep – just think of a hibernating bear . SAD effects approximately 3% of our population or about 1 million Canadians. It is common in our country because of our northern latitude which is associated with a distinct shortening of the light cycle during the winter season.
While many people complain of the “winter blues”, SAD is a diagnosable depression which can be quite severe and which demands treatment. I have found personally and professionally that a timely combination of therapies can be very effective in treating this common mental illness.
Let me tell you about
SAD LAMP a mneumonic which I have devised which explains how Seasonal Affective Disorder can be effectively treated.
S stands for scheduled, meaning that we can anticipate and schedule our treatment to start in the fall before the onset of the depression
AD stands for anti-depressant medications.. As this is a true depression, medications can be indicated if the severity falls within a moderate to severe range. While many anti depressants can be effective, the ones which are less sedating and cause less appetite enhancement are probably better choices
L stands for light therapy, lifestyle changes which include regular exercise and a healthy well balanced diet, encouragement to keep doing the things that you love, and make you laugh. The most effective light therapy consist s of using a bright light unit in the early morning for 30 minutes with your eyes open.
AM stands for alternative medication. Within the alternative and complementary therapies, omega 3 fatty fish oils have been found to be an effective add on. Vit D supplementation through the fall and winter may be useful for many Canadians although its effects on depression nave not been established yet.
P stands for psychologist or counseling particularly involving Cognitive Behavioural therapy or CBT.
Remember SAD LAMP a simple and effective way to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder. I use this combination myself and I have never felt better.
Tour Day Sponsor is Brian Hunter for the final time – his support has been much appreciated.
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