Chester County Medicine Winter 2021 - 29

www.CHESTERCMS.org

Chester County's Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Coalition has a wealth of information about the collective
trauma of the pandemic, as well as a self-care tool at its website,
ccacescoalition.com. The coalition has also started hosting a twicemonthly virtual support group that will run through February.
The group is open to anyone who has experienced the impact of
the pandemic. To join the group, just email the ACEs Coalition
Coordinator, Chelsea Melrath, at cmelrath@chesco.org. Contact
Ashley Marcy for information about other support groups at
amarcy@chesco.org.
Mental health conditions are common, and those who had a
diagnosis or were experiencing concerns before the pandemic are
among the most vulnerable during this time of social isolation.
Many local providers now offer telehealth options using telephone
or video visits. Individuals are encouraged to reach out to mental
health providers to ask about telehealth or other policy changes
during the pandemic.
For mental health emergencies, Chester County's Department
of Mental Health contracts with Valley Creek Crisis Intervention
to provide crisis counseling 24/7. Services include phone
counseling, mobile outreach and walk-in services 365 days a year.
An adult crisis residential program provides short-term (up to 10
days) voluntary residential care to help stabilize someone who is
in crisis, and avoid hospitalization. For non-emergency situations,
Valley Creek also operates a warm line.
Adults who are feeling lonely, depressed or anxious and just
want to talk can call to speak to trained Certified Peer Specialists,
who have experienced mental health conditions and are in
recovery.

Seasonal Affective
Disorder (SAD)
During the Pandemic
This winter we will no doubt hear more people talk about
having the " winter blues. " A common expression to describe the
lower energy and motivation many people experience during the
darker, cold months of the year, " winter blues " should not be
confused with seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.
A type of depression related to changes in seasons, SAD affects
millions of people each year, according to the National Institute of
Mental Health. Some symptoms include feeling depressed most
of the day, nearly every day, losing interest in activities you once
enjoyed, experiencing changes in eating and sleeping patterns, low
energy, trouble concentrating and feelings of hopelessness.
While the exact cause of SAD is still uncertain, there are
several factors that may contribute to the condition. Less sunlight
and lower serotonin levels, an over-production of melatonin and
vitamin D deficits are possible causes. Isolation and more time
indoors during the pandemic can increase the risk as well.
SAD can be treated with a combination of therapies, including
light therapy, which is exposure to sunlight or other bright lights,
psychotherapy, vitamin D or other medication.
If you think you are experiencing more than the " winter blues "
contact your doctor.

Valley Creek Crisis Intervention Center
For crisis calls, 24/7, 365 days a year
610-280-3270

" Looking for new clients?
Our readers are active,
community-minded
decision makers with
disposable income. "

Warm Line has hours of operation
1-866-846-2722
We are all experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic differently,
depending on our situation when it began, but we also share the
impact of social isolation. During this next phase, we need to
remain vigilant, maintain our connections and reach out when we
need additional support.

Alicia M. Lee
Regional Media Sales Executive
alicia@hoffpubs.com
610-685-0914 *210

hoffpubs.com

Publishing Group

WINTER 2021 | CHESTER COUNT Y Medicine 29

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Chester County Medicine Winter 2021

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