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Seminar on Depression Offered at Upstate Carolina
Rescheduled for January 25, 2006 Prepared by: Steve Wong Upstate Carolina Medical Center Marketing Phone 864-487-1515 The bad news: after the Christmas holidays a lot of people suffer from seasonal depression or the After-Christmas Blues. Besides those nagging thoughts of not giving or getting enough gifts, there's less sunlight, colder temperatures, and credit cards bills filling our mailboxes. The good news: there's a lot of help available, at least on the medical front. Upstate Carolina Medical Center will present a free community seminar "HealthTalk" on depression Thursday, Jan. 18, 6-7 p.m. in the hospital's cafeteria. Family practice physician Richard Cutchin, M.D., will be the guest speaker. The public is invited to attend this free seminar. "Seasonal depression is nothing new," Dr. Cutchin said. "Depression in general has come a long way in recent years. Yet, there are still an awful lot of people out there who need help. Depending on a person's individual circumstances, there are countless medications, changes in lifestyle, and therapy. What I want to do is present these options to people, and maybe we'll see a few less breakdowns and suicides this year." According to some statistics, about 16 percent of adults will experience depression at some point in their life. However, only about 20 percent of them will receive treatment. And about 97 percent of those reporting depression also reported that their work, home life and relationships suffered as a result. Depression is also known to weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to physical illness. Depression can quadruple a person's risk of dying within 6 months after a heart attack. Some of the symptoms of depression are sadness, irritability, tension, decreased interest in activities, loss of energy, feeling tired, change in appetite, change in sleeping patterns, restlessness, feeling slowed down, can't make decisions or concentrate, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, thoughts of suicide or death. If you are concerned about depression, please attend this free community seminar "HealthTalk" on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 6-7 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria. To register, call? 487-4271
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