One in five Canadians will experience some type of mood or anxiety disorder in their lifetime, and here on the Coast the high-risk season of short rainy days has officially arrived.
In response this reality, the B.C. Schizophrenia Society Sunshine Coast branch is pleased to host its third annual Beyond the Blues event in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Information tables staffed by friendly and helpful volunteers will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6 in Sechelt's Trail Bay Mall and Friday, Oct. 7 in Gibson's Sunnycrest Mall.
"If you are at either of these locations during these hours, don't be surprised if someone asks if you would like to check your mood with one of our ever popular, ice-breaking, mood cards," said Rebecca Pavitt with the B.C. Schizophrenia Society Sunshine Coast branch. "Pressing your thumb to the card for 10 seconds will turn the indicator square to a number of possible colors ranging from black (indicating stress and anxiety) to blue (indicating serenity and calm).
"Our tables will be overflowing with free information pamphlets covering just about any topic related to mood and anxiety."
Some of the topics covered are: tips on coping with temporary situational stress, how to minimize seasonal affective disorder, warning signs of excessive alcohol and drug use (street or prescription), warning signs of chronic and persistent illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and psychotic conditions that require prompt medical attention and where to go for help.
"Our volunteers cannot diagnose mood or other disorders affecting the brain (a psychiatrist is required for this), but paper screening tests will be on-hand that may give you an idea if you or a loved one are at risk and should seek medical attention," added Pavitt.
On-line screenings for mood and anxiety disorders are also available at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.
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