Kentucky Partnership for Families
and Children, Inc.
|
|
E-newsletter: December 2021 |
|
|
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
|
|
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer.
Millions of American adults may suffer from SAD, although many may not know they have the condition. SAD occurs much more often in women than in men, and it is more common in those living farther north, where there are shorter daylight hours in the winter.
Not every person with SAD will experience all of the symptoms listed below.
|
|
Symptoms of major depression may include: |
|
- Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Experiencing changes in appetite or weight
- Having problems with sleep
|
|
- Feeling sluggish or agitated
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Having frequent thoughts of death or suicide
|
|
For winter-pattern SAD, additional specific symptoms may include:
- Oversleeping (hypersomnia)
- Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”)
|
|
Specific symptoms for summer-pattern SAD may include:
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Poor appetite, leading to weight loss
- Restlessness and agitation
- Anxiety
- Episodes of violent behavior
|
|
Scientists do not fully understand what causes SAD. Research indicates that people with SAD may have reduced activity of the brain chemical (neurotransmitter) serotonin, which helps regulate mood. Research also suggests that sunlight controls the levels of molecules that help maintain normal serotonin levels, but in people with SAD, this regulation does not function properly, resulting in decreased serotonin levels in the winter.
Other findings suggest that people with SAD produce too much melatonin—a hormone that is central for maintaining the normal sleep-wake cycle. Overproduction of melatonin can increase sleepiness.
How is SAD treated?
Treatments are available that can help many people with SAD. They fall into four main categories that may be used alone or in combination:
- Light therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Antidepressant medications
- Vitamin D
Source: National Institute of Mental Health
|
|
Implementing of 988 Dialing for National Suicide Prevention Lifeline |
|
The American Rescue Plan Funding Will Support State Efforts to Transform Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Care
The Department of Health and Human Services, through its Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will make critical investments in suicide prevention and crisis care services, announcing $282 million to help transition the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline from its current 10-digit number to a three-digit dialing code – 988.
In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to be operated through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Converting to this easy-to-remember, three-digit number will strengthen and expand the existing Lifeline network, providing the public with easier access to life-saving services. The Lifeline currently helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day. The 988 dialing code will be available nationally for call, text or chat beginning in July 2022.
With funds from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget and additional funds from the American Rescue Plan, SAMHSA’s $282 million investment will support 988 efforts across the country to shore up, scale up and staff up, including:
- $177 million to strengthen and expand the existing Lifeline network operations and telephone infrastructure, including centralized chat/text response, backup center capacity, and special services (e.g., a sub-network for Spanish language-speakers).
- $105 million to build up staffing across states’ local crisis call centers.
Until the formal launch of 988 in July 2022, anyone in mental health crisis or emotional distress should call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). People not in crisis who are seeking treatment options for mental health conditions should visit findtreatment.samhsa.gov or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
|
|
Tornado Recovery Resources and Information |
|
The lives lost and devastation left behind by weekend tornadoes across Western Kentucky is heartbreaking. The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky stands with those affected and sends its thoughts and prayers.
Below are links to resources, compiled from various sources, for those impacted and information to make donations and volunteer.
From the Governor's Office:
-
Starting today, residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 (for deaf or hard-of-hearing Kentuckians); The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.
-
Kentucky State Parks in the area are now open to host families who need housing for at least two weeks. Volunteers who are willing to assist state parks staff housing distressed guests should contact Kentucky State Parks Division Director Andy Kasitz at andy.kasitz@ky.gov.
-
Until mobile units for the Department for Community-Based Services locations in Mayfield/Graves County those who need help may call 855-306-8959, or they may apply for help online at kynect.ky.gov. Starting today, a special queue is in place for people needing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or SNAP.
After disaster, impacted homeowners are often at a loss for what to do next. The following resources are informative and help homeowners make smart decisions in a stressful time.
WFPL-FM has compiled a robust list of verified relief efforts, donation points, and volunteer opportunities. Here’s how you can help:
Donate to disaster relief funds
Kentucky Red Cross:
Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.
To donate by phone via credit card or to ask questions about donating money to the Red Cross, please call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669)
Shop Local Kentucky – purchase a “Kentucky Strong” T-shirt and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund
Donate blood
Donate clothes, blankets, food, water and other supplies
*Suggested donations include gas, generators, storage bins/totes, flash lights, head lamps, batteries, utility gloves, phone chargers, gas cans, socks, undergarments, blankets, coats, warm clothes, shoes, toiletries, paper towels, plastic utensils, paper plates, feminine hygiene products, baby formula, diapers, wipes, water, non-perishable foods.
Roebling Point Books, 601 Overton Street, Newport, KY 41071
Newport Fire Department, 998 Monmouth St, Newport, KY 41071
First Baptist Church, 2890 Broadway St, Paducah, KY, 270-442-2728
Akridge Farm Supply, 724 Fairview Ave, Eddyville, KY 42038, 270-388-2910 –Looking specifically for tarps and gas cans
Cave City Community Center (Senior Center), 105 Duke St, Cave City, KY 42127
|
|
Volunteer
***Advisory: Please avoid obstructing search and rescue efforts by calling/checking-in beforehand***
Catalyst Church, 114 Kings Dr., Mayfield, KY, (270) 356-1191
South Warren High School, 8140 Nashville Road, Bowling Green,
270-467-7500
Bremen Volunteer Fire Department, 51 College St., Bremen, KY 42325,
270-525-6002
Bowling Green Community Action Center, 171 Center St, Bowling Green, KY,
270-782-4437
Gasper Brewing Company, 302 State Street, Bowling Green, KY. – need volunteers to serve food
Mayfield City Hall, 211 E. Broadway, Mayfield, KY – Volunteers needed with drills
Mercy Chefs – Mayfield, KY Tornado Response (shifts available throughout the week)
Support pets/stray animals in need
Foster a pet or donate supplies! The following shelters are in critical need due to the tornadoes:
Marcus Rushing, 224 Hughes Rd., Wickliffe, KY, 985-605-4068 (has pasture and barn for cattle/horses, free of charge to victims of the tornadoes)
Refer community members in distress to these help lines
SAMHSA – Call or text 1-800-985-5990
Report Price Gouging
It’s illegal for retailers to bump up the prices of certain things during an emergency. If you see it happening you can report it online or call 1-888-432-9257. Per the Kentucky Attorney General’s office, goods and services in this prohibition include: consumer food items; goods or services used for emergency cleanup; emergency supplies; medical supplies; home heating oil; building materials; housing; transportation, freight, and storage services; and gasoline or other motor fuels.
This is an evolving list of ways that community members can help in the disaster relief effort. This post will be updated. Contact Jasmine Demers at jdemers@kycir.org with suggested additions.
Thank you to WFPL for sharing this list of donation and volunteer opportunities.
About the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky
Funded by an endowment, the mission of the nonpartisan Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky is to address the unmet health needs of Kentuckians by developing and influencing policy, improving access to care, reducing health risks and disparities, and promoting health equity. Since the Foundation opened its doors in 2001, it has invested more than $29 million in health policy research, advocacy, and demonstration project grants across the Commonwealth.
|
|
Substance Use Treatment Locator
Millions of Americans have a substance use disorder. Help is available. FindTreatment.gov.
Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
|
|
Disaster Distress Helpline
1-800-985-5990
|
Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after any natural or human-caused disaster. Call this toll-free number to be connected to the nearest crisis center for information, support, and counseling. |
|
Veteran's Crisis Line
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
TTY: 1-800-799-4889
Connects veterans in crisis (and their families and friends) with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential, toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
|
|
|
|
Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime, about any type of crisis.
A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds.
Free and confidential
|
|
Disaster Distress Helpline
1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
