SOS Learning Series - Winter Wellness: Navigating the Winter Blues

Did you know that according to CMHA, Seasonal Affective Disorders or SAD make up about 10% of all depression cases? The Canadian Psychological Association reports that 15% of Canadians experience mild forms of SAD and around 2-3% experience SAD severely.

People in more northern countries or cities like us are more likely to experience SAD than those who live close to the equator. The amount of daylight you receive changes as you move north, and that change is thought to be part of SAD.

If you or someone you know suffers from SAD or general malaise during the winter months, you will want to attend our free learning seminar on January 25 from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the SOS Community Services Centre in Parksville. You’ll also learn how your brain is affected by stress and how to help your brain function optimally.

At this seminar you’ll hear from two esteemed specialists in the areas of brain health and wellness.

If you’ve attended our Aging with Purpose and Grace seminars in the past, you’ll be familiar with Gary Anaka who has been a brain coach since 1997 and who has delivered over 1350 keynotes and workshops nationally and internationally. Gary will start the seminar by demystifying basic brain geography. By understanding your brain and its impact on stress and anxiety, you’ll learn some of the brain boosters that can improve your overall wellness.

Next you’ll hear from Dave Lawson, a Registered Professional Counsellor with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association, since 2021. He has been developing groups for mental and emotional wellbeing since 2020 with Forward House Community Society and joined the counselling team at SOS in 2021 where he has been facilitating the Personal Growth Group twice a year since 2022. David’s main areas of counselling revolve around depression, anxiety, trauma and addictions. At this seminar, Dave will help attendees understand more fully what SAD is, the risk factors, how to recognize the common symptoms and the various treatment options.

Pre-register for this free seminar by January 23, 2025 as capacity is limited to the first 60 registrants. We expect this seminar to be fill up quickly, so avoid disappointment and register early. Complimentary refreshments will be available.