City’s social worker advises residents about dealing with SAD

  Every year, the onset of winter brings with it triggers for the infamous depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

  “It’s absolutely a real diagnosis,” said Nicole Palermo, the city’s social worker, during a January 6 broadcast on RevereTV. “It occurs during the late fall and winter months.”

  According to Mental Health America, approximately 16.4 million Americans are afflicted by SAD every year.

  Palermo said SAD symptoms include depression, loss of energy, loss of interest and feeling sluggish as well as feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness. “It’s normal to get stressed out and burnt out over these winter months,” she said.

  Therefore, she said, staying healthy needs to be a primary objective. “If you’re not healthy, it’s going to be very difficult to meet your basic needs,” said Palermo.

  She said keeping a daily routine is also beneficial. “You will never have enough time to do all of the things that you want and have to do,” said Palermo, adding that exercise is another crucial component to fighting SAD. “It’s super important to get up and move around if you’re feeling down, anxious or a little bit stressed.”

  For anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide, Palermo strongly recommended contacting the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-237-8255.