Seasonal Affective Disorder & Self Care

Course Description:

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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression also known as SAD. In the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), this disorder is identified as a type of depression – Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern. According to the American Psychiatric Association, people with SAD "experience mood changes and symptoms similar to depression. The symptoms usually occur during the winter months." This is an interactive workshop. Exercises involving Self-Care, mindfulness, diet, and exercise will be explored and experienced. We will consider the mental, physical and emotional benefits of self-care and mindfulness. We will create and experience self-care and Mindful activities for direct implementation in your personal and professional life. Course

 

Objectives:

• Identify symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Explore ways in which clinicians can engage patients who experience SAD

• Discuss evidence-based treatment recommendation

• Experience self care activities to help with SAD
 

Presented by: 

Michael Chiappone, LCSW

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Michael Chiappone has been a Social Worker for the past 17 years. His work has primarily focused on assisting people who are homeless, mentally ill, or living with Substance Use Disorder. He also sees clients who seek help for a variety of reasons. For most of his career, he worked at Hope House Ministries, a highly respected not-for-profit agency. He held two positions at Hope House, Director of Project Hope II, a program that worked specifically with the chronic homeless population. He also assisted in developing and implementing Hope Academy, a non-traditional, long-term treatment facility for substance abuse.