GriefShare Returns to Leverington Presbyterian

Support group accepting members for fall session.

After an encouraging spring session, a support group for those in grief returns to a Roxborough church. Leverington Presbyterian Church begins its second, 13-week Griefshare session Sept. 5 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.  "This Spring we had nine people come into the group, raw with grief and we saw them leaving with Hope! God is using this program!" organizer and Roxborough resident Carol Spangenberg.  Led by widowers Spangenberg and Ed Cunningham, the 13-week group counseling session allows for mourners to share their experiences, watch subject-specific DVDs and borrow reading materials. She brought the program to Roxborough after having a good experience with a similar one in King of Prussia. "There is a group there out there for people who've …

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Fit Notes

Dealing With Holiday Depression, Part 2

Tools for addressing the winter blues.

Tis the season for sleeplessness and stress. Though it may be a favorite time of year for many, it is a dreaded time of year for many others. It is easy to get run down and feel exhausted or depressed. Last week, I took a look at two physiological factors that contribute to feelings of depression or stress: inadequate sleep and malnutrition.  For some people, getting proper sleep, good nutrition and a little exercise is all they need to lift the winter blues, or give their brains the boost needed to handle the extra stressors of the holidays. For others, more factors need to be addressed. And still for others, professional counsel should be sought. If you are feeling overwhelmed with stress or depression, please contact a counselor.  If …

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Fit Notes

Depression and the Holidays

Physiological and seasonal factors contributing to depression.

From Thanksgiving to New Year's, we Americans are supposed to be festive and happy. But for many people, the holidays bring harsh reminders and feelings of loss, stress and loneliness. First let me say, that if you are experiencing depression or are overwhelmed by the holidays, please seek counsel.  Intercommunity Action (InterAct) is a local organization that provides a wealth of services, including counseling and crisis intervention. There are no easy answers for our complex emotions, but a person's ability to cope with difficult circumstances can be bolstered or hindered by physiological factors. Some of those factors will be examined here. Think about a Maserati or a Porsche or your favorite car. If you put lemonade in the gas tank, …

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