More than 1/3 of the Canadian population will suffer from depression annually, and during stressful times this will increase.
During or just after the holidays, feelings of depression can intensify. Holiday depression can be brought on by many factors including unrealistic goals, added financial stress, family expectations, change of schedule and eating patterns. The cure may not be as difficult as you might think. Actually, just a few basic lifestyle changes can help you break free from the trap of depression.
Neil Nedley, MD has put together an eight-week Depression Recovery Program from his more than 15 years of experience helping his patients. This program teaches how to improve brain function, increase energy, boost concentration, engage in healthy sleep habits, improve physical performance and gain renewed hope.
Those who attend all eight sessions will learn how to establish and maintain a strong exercise program, understand depression and eliminate negative habits of body and mind, develop healthy eating patterns and get more out of the day by enhancing brain function.
Sarah, a past-participant, found the program helpful.
“If you are feeling tired all the time, feeling empty and worthless, it is time for change,” she said. “This program is not a magic pill cure because life is full of new hurdles and new obstacles. You are given a set of tools and guidelines to look after yourself properly and keep you on track.”
Participants will spend less time frustrated by stress, say goodbye to negative thinking and understand the true power of positive thinking. Learn to choose foods to boost your moods. Learn to take time out for mindful relaxation and learn the importance of getting enough sunlight.
“It works — you feel so much better,” said Sarah. “Then you fall off track and go back to your old patterns, but you re-practise your guidelines, and it works.”
This is a perfect time for a person to find out if the Depression Recovery Program is for you. There will be two free introductory sessions: Monday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Vernon Seventh-day Adventist Church, where the DVD program will be hosted. The church is at 1802 – 45th Ave. (off Pleasant Valley Road).
Christina Walker, the director of the program for Nedley Health Solutions, said people of all faiths and walks of life are welcome, as are previous participants.
“This seminar is not only excellent for people who are depressed, but also for those who have family members or friends who are depressed, or for people who may want to obtain optimal mental health,” she said.
For more information on the program, please call Christina at 250-545-3969, or e-mail depressionthewayout@gmail.com.
