Mental Health and Holiday Blues

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Mental Health and the Holiday Blues

igh expectations, loneliness and stress can lead to theH

“Holiday Blues.” In most cases symptoms are temporary, but they can be serious if they last for more than two weeks, leading to clinical anxiety and depression. The “holiday blues” can stem from a variety of sources, such as current events, personal grief, loneliness, illnesses of all kinds, economic concerns, separation from family members, separation or divorce.

The COVID-19 crisis has made maintaining mental health more challenging for many.

“For many, the holiday season is not always the most wonderful time of the year,” said

NAMI Northeast Region PA executive director Marie

Onukiavage. “For individuals and families coping with mental health challenges, the holiday season can be a lonely or stressful time. There is a tremendous need for people to reach out and watch out for each other in keeping with the spirit of the season.”

Be mindful of the following:

• Holiday blues are different from mental illness, but shortterm mental health problems must be taken seriously because they can lead to clinical anxiety and depression. • People already living with mental illness are often affected by the holiday blues. Individuals, families and friends should know symptoms and watch out for each other.

• There are many ways to avoid or minimize holiday blues. NAMI can be a source of support. • It’s a myth that suicides increase during the holidays, but suicide risks are always serious. • Children and teens get the blues too. The highest rate for child psychiatric hospitalizations occurs in winter.

None of this means that we should skip the holidays entirely. Instead, there are strategies to minimize the negative aspects of the season.

Be realistic. Don’t worry about how things ‘should be.’

Ask yourself, do I really have to do everything on my list? Why am I doing things that make me miserable? Draw up a list of reasons to engage in holiday traditions, and then a list of reasons not to engage. A simple pro and con list will remind us that we do have a choice. There is a lot of cultural pressure during the holidays. We tend to compare ourselves with idealized notions of perfect families and perfect holidays. Remember, other families have their own stressors to contend with.

Accept your needs and keep your own mental and physical well-being in mind.

Recognizing triggers can help prepare you for stressful situations. Is shopping for holiday gifts too stressful? Is preparing all the traditional homemade dishes overwhelming? Once you know what is making you feel physically and mentally agitated, you can take steps to avoid or cope with the stress. Finding ways to manage time by making a day-to-day schedule can help keep us from feeling overwhelmed and allow us to say “No” to things that don’t fit our schedule or make us feel good. Likewise, it is helpful to spend time away from the hype, even if it’s just for half an hour a day.

Spend time in nature.

Studies show that time in nature reduces stress. Break away from family during a holiday gathering. Take a walk in a local park.

Eat well. Get enough sleep.

Eating habits are challenged during the holidays. Eating unprocessed foods, like whole grains, vegetables and fresh fruit can help to maintain a healthy diet. Exercise has an antianxiety, anti-depression effect. Even a small amount of exercise, such as parking further from the store, can help. Eating well, exercising and sleep can help to stabilize mood.

Avoid alcohol and drugs.

Substances don’t reduce stress: in fact, they often worsen it. If you’re struggling with substance abuse, educate yourself and get help.

Volunteer.

Simply knowing that we're making a small dent in the lives of people who are not as fortunate can be a great source of comfort. This is a great strategy to combat feelings of loneliness or isolation. Consider seeking out community, religious or other social events.

Take steps to stay safe.

As COVID-19 continues to pose a risk, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that the safest way to gather is to spend time with people living in the same household or to gather virtually. Limit the number of people, gather outdoors when possible and don’t attend if sick and/or in a high-risk group. Continue to practice physical distancing, wear a mask, keep gatherings to two hours or less and frequently wash hands and surfaces.

Don’t let the “holiday blues” become a scapegoat.

If these are persistent feelings, make an appointment to see your doctor!

Find support.

Whether it’s with friends, family, a counselor or a support group, airing out and talking can help. Consider attending a free support group provided by NAMI Northeast Region PA. If you or someone you love is experiencing a crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255; use the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor for free, 24/7 crisis support via text message. Overall, remember that this is not an easy time of year for a lot of people. We need to be gentle with ourselves. For more information about NAMI Northeast Region PA visit www.naminepa.org or call 570-342-1047. H

Suicide Prevention: Shawn’s Law

“F rom the bottom of our hearts…a big thank you to PA State Rep. Dawn Keefer and Rep. Frank Ryan as

well as the entire PA General Assembly for being wonderful champions for our children, and for helping to further protect vulnerable, precious lives from horrible predators who encourage or assist with the tragic act of suicide," said Jacqueline Bieber, York County.

Gov. Tom Wolf recently signed “Shawn’s Law”, which is hoped to become another important life-saving measure in Pennsylvania. “It also honors the legacy of our beautiful daughter Shawn, who sadly ended her life with the help from a horrible, online suicide forum on May 22, 2019 as she battled mental illness, depression and anxiety, “ Jacqueline said.

“While our lives have been forever shattered after tragically losing our beloved daughter, Shawn, we are empowered to fight back against ugly predators and to fight for our youth, to fight for life and to fight for other Pennsylvania families in an attempt to spare them from this painful grief, while offering them hope.” Shawn took her life at her family's home in Newberry Township. “Shawn died with the direct assistance and encouragement from a horrific suicide website. I’ll never forget the feeling I got when I looked at her phone that day and saw this website and the chatroom discussion she was having during her suicide. Pure evil, cruelty and darkness are all I can use to describe this horrific tragedy. I still can't believe that there's website that provides a menu on ways to die and the step-by-step instructions and recipes are all provided. The horror we’ve experienced these past two years has been excruciating and painful. “ “Our laws need to be updated due to how quickly technology is changing and ruling our worlds. Today, through Shawn’s Law, we are toughening penalties and sending a clear and loud message to that we will not tolerate helping anyone end their life! And, that there are REAL consequences and stiff penalties awaiting and to leave our children alone. We are leading the way right here in Pennsylvania, “ Jacqueline said.

While more needs to be done, this is a first step in the right direction. Our youth and young adults, like our daughter Shawn need our protection. Next, we must work on adequately funding our mental health system, offering incentives to mental health professionals to attract people to the profession, and providing ample funding for our mental health and Intellectual Disabilities or IDD programs. We also must work to shut down these horrific sites.

Shawn's Law or House Bill 184, holds accountable any person who encourages the suicide of a minor under 18 years old, or any person with an intellectual disability. Shawn’s family hopes to help further educate everyone about this devastating and leading cause of death and stop predators and criminals and preserving life!

Did you know?

According to the CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2019:• Suicide was the 10th leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 48,344 people. Suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34. Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 44. There were nearly two and half times as many suicides in the United States as there were homicides.

1.4 million is the number of suicide attempts in the U.S. There is an average of 130 suicides daily in this country. Thes statistics were before the pandemic hit. The number of suicides has skyrocketed during COVID-19. The pandemic’s impact on individuals across our state and across this country has heightened mental health illnesses and challenges!

Each year, more than 40 million American adults will experience a serious Mental Health condition – Less than half will seek treatment due to stigma and discrimination. It's time to end the stigma! If you or someone you know needs support, please dial 211. Help is just a phone call away.

Luzerne-Wyoming Counties

Mental Health & Developmental Services

111 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Suite 200 Wilkes-Barre, PA • 570-825-9441 www.luzernecounty.org/mhds

Dr. John Kuna on Therapy as a Process of Self Discovery

John G. Kuna, Psy.D.

was born and raised in Scranton. His parents, the late Joseph and Anna Kuna owned a small grocery store in Dupont and early on in his life Joseph worked in the mines. As Dr. John grew up, he realized that his family structure was very supportive to health and behavior treatment and he was inspired by his parents to achieve a higher level of education.

Dr. Kuna lives in Nicholson with his wife, Joellen, a registered nurse, who is case manager for her husband’s practice, John G. Kuna, Psy.D. and Associates. His children Jason, Beth and Phil are grown and he has eight grandchildren. “My children and grandchildren make me proud by caring for one another and participating in their community,” he said. He has been practicing for 23 years and with his more than 50 professional associates offers evidencebased, psychological and counseling services to individuals, couples, families, children, adolescents and adults. “We view therapy as a process of self discovery. We see ourselves as guides, allies and navigators on our client’s Latin poetry and after work he enjoys reading about history. On weekends he visits family and travels. John G. Kuna, Psy.D. and Associates sees clients in 13 locations in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming and Pike counties. See drjohngkuna.com for more information. H

journey to self-knowledge and healthier lives, physically, mentally and spiritually.” Dr. Kuna entered the mental health helping field to offer treatment for those in need of various mental disorders and problems. “I am daily influenced by the people we help to believe in themselves and to face the past, present and future with confidence. We offer a broad range of counseling services for depression, anxiety and mental health disorders. Especially after the pandemic, people are faced with depression and anxiety more than ever and benefit from someone to talk to. I love my profession for helping others. I wake up ready and happy to go to work in the company of like-minded and caring therapists. We are all committed to helping our clients in a compassionate and confidential environment.”

Dr. Kuna studies

–Christine Fanning

Country Inns and B&Bs

KEUKA LAKESIDE INN Hammondsport’s exclusive lakefront accommodations on the shores of Keuka Lake. This Inn offers 17 comfortable rooms and spectacular views with an onsite boat launch and docking available. Find us on Facebook and at 24 Water St., Hammondsport, NY 14840. (607) 569-2600, www.keukalakesideinn.com

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Penn’s Peak Wizards of Winter

December 18, 8 p.m.

The Wizards of Winter was originally formed as a way to give back to the band’s hometown community food pantry. The quality of the original music, combined with its message, has attracted world class talent from groups like The TransSiberian Orchestra, The Irish Tenors and Alice Cooper band who now join them on stage. It truly is a Christmas Rock Opera for those in search of the meaning of Christmas.

HELEN & ED’S TREE FARM The tradition continues...In business since 1957, Helen and Ed’s is a 220 acre tree farm located in Dorrance Township, PA. Find fresh cut evergreens or choose and cut your own from many varieties and sizes. Wreaths and garland are handmade and pin tree stands are available. Come enjoy Christmas music, friendly atmosphere and service. 3758 Saint Mary's Road, Wapwallopen, PA 18660 www.helenandedstreefarm.com (570) 868-6252

THE BRIAR PATCH AT THORNHURST NURSERIES CHRISTMAS TREE FARM & GIFT SHOP Pre-cut Fraser, Concolor & Douglas Fir. Choose & cut (7' & above) Colorado Blue Spruce & Norway Spruce. Available tree sizes 6 ft-14 ft. Fresh handmade wreaths. 78 Pine Grove Rd, Thornhurst, PA (570) 842-1266. Follow us on Facebook.

Beginning November 28,

menorahs will be placed in windows, letting their light shine to the world outside. Their flickering flames symbolize a miracle that occurred almost two thousand years ago.

Hanukkah celebrates the uprising of faithful Jews against their powerful Greek oppressors. When the Jews defeated their enemy against all odds, they traveled to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem to reclaim and rededicate it to the service of God. They found only enough oil inside to light the menorah for one day; however, it miraculously lasted for eight until new oil could be prepared. It is this miracle that is now celebrated by Jews across the world. To celebrate the eight-day festival of lights, families attend special services, perform special prayers, eat delicious foods and exchange gifts. Hanukkah is the only holiday where Jews publicize to the world. Every other holiday they observe and take to themselves, but because of the nature of the miracle, they are supposed to put a menorah in the window so that the outside can see. The centerpiece of Hanukkah is the menorah—a nine-armed candelabra. On the first night, the center candle, or shammash, is lit, then used to light a second candle. Another candle is added each night until the eighth and final night of Hanukkah. Just as Hebrew is written from right to left, candles are placed in the menorah from right to left; however, the candles are lit each night from left to right. After placing the candles in the menorah but before lighting them, three blessings are recited to commemorate the miracle of Hanukkah. The menorah is always placed by a window. Traditional Hanukkah foods add flavor to each night’s celebration. In remembrance of the miracle, fried foods like potato latkes and jelly donuts are always included. The dreidel game is another popular Hanukkah celebration, especially for kids. While its origin is unclear, the letters that appear on the four-faced piece—un, gimmel, hey and shin— are said to stand for the phrase, “Nes gadol haya sham,” which in Hebrew means, “A great miracle happened here.” Though not an original part of the celebration, many exchange gifts on each night of Hanukkah as well. In this way, it has been adopted to American culture. H

Festival of Lights

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Dr. David Janerich Brings the Latest in Physiatry Home to NEPA

David A. Janerich,

D.O., a Dallas resident, is a physia-

trist in Plains. He received his medical degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Virginia. Following his residency at Thomas Jefferson hospital in Philadelphia, and two fellowships in Philadelphia and York, David returned home in 2021 to join his father, Albert D. Janerich, M.D. in practice at Janerich Pain Specialists. Dr. David Janerich and Dr. Albert Janerich are both board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Albert Janerich is also board certified in addictive diseases.

“My father and I attended the same physical medicine and rehabilitation -- also known as physiatry -- residency at Jefferson in Philadelphia. He has been in private practice since 1993. I went on to complete further training at two fellowships in interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine, as well as cervical dystonia and spasticity management. By joining my father, I bring the most current and advanced treatment options to Northeastern Pennsylvania so patients don't feel they need to go to a major city to get the best care they deserve. Our practice is unique in today’s world of medicine. We are a family and our goal is to treat our patients like family. We listen to the patients’ unique situation and formulate an individualized treatment plan.” “The goal of physiatry is to help people function better. Relieving patients of their pain does that and often is taken for granted,” he said. “Cervical Dystonia is a common condition that may contribute to neck pain and is vastly undertreated in the United States. Spasticity develops for many reasons and it usually occurs after brain injuries, strokes, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and other underlying conditions that affect the central nervous system. It can be extremely debilitating and even affect one’s ability to perform basic daily tasks such as dressing themself. Neurotoxin medications such as Botox or Dysport are extremely helpful at decreasing the tone and spasms that develop with spasticity. After completing fur-

“By joining my father, I bring the most current and advanced treatment options to Northeastern Pennsylvania”

ther specialized training in cervical dystonia and spasticity management, I wanted to bring these important effective treatment options to serve my home community.” Drs. David and Albert Janerich treat chronic pain, which is long standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis. Chronic pain may come and go or be continuous. “There can be a number of causes of chronic pain. Many physicians in the past have treated chronic pain with medications that, at that time were considered rou-

tine, but are now no longer indicated for those pain conditions. Consequently, we work with patients to tailor their pain medications while also relieving pain. There are certain procedures which I perform in the office that have been effective at improving chronic pain symptoms. Most often, managing chronic pain symptoms involves a multifaceted team approach. When physical therapy and medications are not helpful, I offer non-surgical procedures, such as injections, using an ultrasound machine or fluoroscope (x-ray) to guide the injection or procedure. This allows for direct visualization of the target during the injection to ensure that the medication is being delivered exactly DMD, a practicing general and cosmetic dentist in Kingston, PA. “I feel honored to have the ability to serve the community in which I was raised. My ultimate joy is hearing that I helped a patient get their life back and help them get to do the things they love to do, again!” In his time off, Dr. David likes to ski, play golf and tennis, and enjoy his wife’s excellent cooking. “I do the dishes — it works out well.”

We wondered, what is something people don’t know about him? “It’s a secret! That’s why no one knows,” he said. “Just kidding, I can be shy at first but I’m told I can be quite funny.” H

where it needs to be to maximize treatment and recovery.” Dr. David was born in Wilkes-Barre and raised in Shavertown. He said he loves the four seasons in Northeast Pennsylvania and the genuine, down-to-earth people who call this valley their home. He is married to Brittany N. Lahoda,

–Christine Fanning

Safe Living in Senior Years A

t some point, support from family, friends and local programs may not be enough for safe senior living. Those requiring help full-time might move to a residential facility that provides many or all of the long-term care services needed.

Facility-based long-term care services include: board and care homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities.

Some facilities have only housing and housekeeping, but many also provide personal care and medical services. Many facilities offer special programs for people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Residential care facilities or group homes, are small private facilities, usually with 20 or fewer residents. Residents receive personal care and meals and have staff available around the clock.

Assisted living is for people who need help with daily care, but not as much help as a nursing home provides. Assisted living facilities range in size from as few as 25 residents to 120 or more. Typically, a few "levels of care" are offered, with residents paying more for higher levels of care. Assisted living residents usually live in their own apartments or rooms and share common areas. They have access to many services, including meals, assistance with personal care, help with medications, housekeeping and laundry, 24-hour supervision, security/on-site staff and recreational activities.

Nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities, provide a wide range of health and personal care services. Their services focus on medical care more than most assisted living facilities. These services typically include nursing care, 24-hour supervision, three meals a day, and assistance with everyday activities. Rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, are also available. Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also called life care communities, offer different levels of service in one location. Many of them offer independent housing (houses or apartments), assisted living, and skilled nursing care all on one campus. Healthcare services and recreation programs are also provided. In a CCRC, where you live depends on the level of service you need. There are many sources of information about facility-based long-term care. A good place to start is the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

Montrose Square Apartments

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Who is the cutest of them all?

Angelo

The Sabia family says Angelo loves sipping morning coffee and riding in boats. He is also an avid walker.

Mollie

Mollie is a lovable rescue dog who was rehomed twice before finding her forever home with the Alunni family. She is from Jefferson Township.

Pip and Jedi

Pip and Jedi both love to sing all day and keep the Aragona family entertained. Pip always tries to get Jedi's toy, and Jedi is laid back until he's had enough of Pip!

Electra

Electra loves people and welcomes anyone that comes to the Raymer family's home! She also loves her treats!

Ginger

The Nolan family says Ginger loves playing fetch with her necklaces and taking naps. She is from Archbald.

Binx

Binx is a cat who thinks he's a dog, says the Graff family. Binx loves playing with his best friend, Peanut.

Vote for your favorite December pet at

www.HappeningsMagazinePA.com! The winner receives a Happenings bandana!

The votes are in... November’s Pet of the Month is Louie Congratulations!

Tucker

Tucker is full of energy and love, the Ryan family says. He loves his family, playing fetch and giving kisses! He enjoys car rides, especially in the convertible.

Kiss

Kiss loves to watch out the front screen door. She wags her tail or cries when she sees neighbors’ cars, neighbors walking, neighborhood children playing as well as frequent visitors, says the Torrey family.

Sid

Vanessa Williams and Mike

Golembeski know if there is a lap, Sid will want to be sitting on it. He loves people and thinks everyone loves him. He loves swiss cheese and will not eat his scrambled eggs unless there is melted cheese on them.

Sookie and Fluffer

Sookie and Fluffer are both lovable and playful but mostly lay on their dad's lap. Both cats were rescued from the flood of 2011 by the Henry family and are very appreciative.

Rosie

Rosie loves exploring in the woods and chasing anything that moves, says the Tonkin family. She enjoys peanut butter and snuggles from her big sister Abby!

Stella

The Naughton family says Stella is such a sweet dog and loves going on long walks and playing with her toys.

Theresa Germano C.R.N.P.

LACKAWANNA MEDICAL GROUP

Theresa

Germano C.R.N.P., saw how both her mother and her sister made a difference in people’s lives as nurses.“They were role models for me and their dedication to their profession influenced me to go into nursing.”

Theresa is a certified registered nurse practitioner at Lackawanna Medical Group (LMG) located on the Morgan Highway in Scranton. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing, both from from the University of Scranton

Her expertise as a nurse practitioner is in gastroenterology (GI) and internal medicine (IM). Gastroenterology is a profession that treats irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s Disease and colitis. Theresa also offers environmental and food allergy testing, needle-free and virtually pain-free allergy tests that are safe for even very young children. LMG also offers immunotherapy for environmental allergies with the goal to reduce discomfort by treating the root causes of allergies, not just the symptoms.

“At LMG, we participate in clinical trials in both GI and IM. We are affiliated with Care Access. We are on the cutting edge of medicine; bringing new treatment options to patients that would not otherwise be available and we are always looking for new treatment options for patients.

Theresa said she loves building a trusting relationship with patients and listening to their concerns and helping them achieve their health goals. “You also never stop learning and growing, as healthcare is ever changing,” she said. “I am always learning something new.”

She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, gardening, hiking, living a healthy, active lifestyle, watching and playing sports, and cooking. “My grandpa taught me how to make a mean pasta sauce.” H

im Ruane is an award winning photographer and a lifelong resi-J dent of NEPA. His work has been used in numerous brochures and advertising campaigns promoting the natural beauty and historic attractions of the region. He has been published in numerous issues of Happenings

Magazine and his work has appeared on the cover of Happenings 28 times.

A Winter Lake Wallenpaupack

Even in the winter, Lake Wallenpaupack is fun. As a freshwater lake in the Pocono Mountain Region, it is the third largest lake in Pennsylvania measuring 52 miles of shoreline, 13 miles in length, 60 feet deep at points and has a surface area in excess of 5,700 acres. It was created in 1926 by the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company for hydroelectric purposes. It is located near Hawley and forms part of the boundary between Pike and Wayne counties. Ice fishing in the winter at the lake is popular. An annual winter event is the “Ice Tee Golf Tournament,” which takes place on the frozen lake.

Each day, thousands of individuals go to places managed by Brookfield Renewable like Lake Wallenpaupack to enjoy time outdoors with their families. H

MAKE SAFETY A PRIORITY

“Warning: Conditions near dams can change” Follow signage & stay at a safe distance

Warning! Water conditions near dams can change rapidly