Ionia County Community Mental Health         208 W. Bridge Street                375 Apple Tree Drive                          7441 Storey Road          Portland, MI 48875                    Ionia, MI 48846                                Belding, MI 48809                517-647-2128                        616-527-1790                                    616-794-6592        24 Hour Toll-Free Crisis Line 1-888-527-1790   SAD for the holidays Seasonal Affective Disorder prevalent around holiday time By Frank Konkel Sentinel-Standard writer   IONIA - The holidays might seem like a time when everyone is happy and full of Christmas cheer, but sometimes its just the opposite. When the snow flies and the sun shines a little less brightly, local experts say depression, often in the form of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), become a very real problem in Ionia. "[SAD] is a very big deal and it's more common than people think," said Ionia County Community Mental Health CEO Robert Lathers, who is also a licensed master social worker. "Fortunately, there usually are specific symptoms linked to it and it's not difficult to diagnose. But it can be a dangerous thing to have." The most common reason for SAD boils down to a change in the weather. Many individuals react poorly when winter comes around, not just because of the temperature, but because of the lack of sunlight. It may not sound serious, but the symptoms definitely are. Doctors say fatigue, insomnia, poor mental outlook and an overall lack of energy can be obvious symptoms of SAD. In more serious cases, SAD can lead to suicidal behavior and complete isolation from others. "When someone presents symptoms, the first thing we go over if this is a recurring problem or not." said Dr. Richard Kustasz of the Portland Family Health Center. "When we determine the extent and nature of the symptoms, we start a treatment program that can include medication. With SAD, without treatment or counseling, the problem really can last all the way until the first day of spring." Treatment is no simple fix either. It's not enough to take an anti-depressant like Labutrin - the most common medication for SAD patients - doctors and psychiatrists have to delve into the root of the problem. "People often come in and find out they have SADs and instantly demand medication," Lathers said. "But we have to find out why they're in this situation. It could be because of a change in seasons, or [the depression] could be because anniversary of a loved one who passed away is approaching. It could be anything. There are lots of issues that we need to determine for the best treatment." Beyond doctor's orders, medication and assessing the reasons behind the depression, there are simple steps those afflicted can do to better their outlook. Lathers recommends a corrective diet, exercise and keeping an open dialogue with family and friends. Talking to loved ones about feelings of depression often produces positive results. According to Lathers, the worst treatment - but unfortunately a very popular one - is alcohol. "Sometimes people think alcohol will help their problems, but it won't, it only makes them worse," Lathers said. "Actually, half the [depression patients] we'll see in the emergency room will be intoxicated and in full-blown crisis mode." Lathers said the holidays actually compound problems. "The absolute busies months for us are during the holidays and right after them," said Lathers. "Sometimes it's because they had those high expectations for Christmas that didn't happen." The best thing those consistently feeling depressed can do is seek help. "When we begin to treat depression, usually those patients begin to notice their change in moods quickly," Kustasz said. "Fighting depression is a lot easier with treatment and help." ICCMH Local Area Sites                                             Ionia Site                                             375 Apple Tree Drive                                             Ionia, MI 48846                                             616-527-1790 (main number)                                             1-888-527-1790 (toll free crisis line)                                               Belding Site                                             7441 Storey Road                                             Belding, MI 48809                                             616-794-6592 (main number)                                             1-888-527-1790 (toll free crisis line)                                               Portland Site                                             208 W. Bridge Street                                             Portland, MI 48875                                             517-647-2128 (main number)                                             1-888-527-1790 (toll free crisis line)     Ionia County Community Mental Health (ICCMH) is your doorway to a network of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and co-occurring Substance Abuse care options in Ionia County, Michigan.   To learn more about ICCMH and the services we provide click here*.     Vision Statement To celebrate and be a supporting member of a community that actively and purposely embrace all of its members in a manner that promotes that rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of full citizenship. Mission Statement To ensure and promote community mental health services and supports for the citizens of Ionia County in a manner that reflects and a commitment to customer and community driven values. Values Statement To demonstrate a commitment to the values of quality, accountability, best practice, families and children, and inclusive community, partnerships, our organizational members, and a humane environment in all of our efforts to support and serve our customers and our community.        ICCMH is a member of the Community Mental Health Affiliation of Mid-Michigan ICCMH is a member of the Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards Ionia County Community Mental Health is funded in part by the Michigan Department of Community Health