“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Dr. Seuss from “The Lorax.”

Rebecca’s Dream invites you “to care a whole awful lot” on Saturday, February 23rd, 2019 at the Kenilworth Club for our 14th Annual Benefit and Auction.

Have Heart as you help CHANGE THE FACE OF DEPRESSION during an evening of dinner, dancing and candid conversation about mental health stigma.

Someone like you is needed to help Rebecca’s Dream continue encouraging individuals, families and those who love to them “get better.”

Please join with us to share love, compassion and understanding
while enjoying an evening of fun and heart.

Please care “a whole awful lot.”

UPCOMING EVENTS

“If you carry joy in your heart, you can heal any moment.”

-Carlos Santana

“IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD”

‘’IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD” contains information about: ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, stigma, symptoms and ways to cope.

Author and illustrator Marlee F. Is a teen living successfully with depression. As Marlee struggled to understand her thoughts, feelings and moods she created “IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD.” Marlee’s passion became helping teens easily understand they are not alone during difficult mental health challenges ~ help she wishes she had during her early years of confusion and shame.

Mental disorders don’t discriminate.

One in five teens are affected by some form of disorder severe enough to impact their daily lives.
However, with professional help and self-care most teens feel better within 4-6 weeks.

Tips & Tools

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s caused by the changing seasons. Typically, symptoms begin to worsen around fall and peak during the winter months. Symptoms of SAD are similar to other forms of depression, including feelings of hopelessness, lack of concentration, social withdrawal, and fatigue.

Treatments for SAD include medication, talk therapy, exercise, and eating a healthy diet. Use mood-boosting recipes and meal ideas to help you fight off SAD.

  • Lean Proteins: Lean proteins carry plenty of amino acids, which may positively affect your mood. Lean proteins are also a great source of energy. Salmon is a great source of lean proteins.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: One study from the University of Pittsburgh found that people with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids were less likely to experience moderate or mild symptoms of depression. Sources that contain the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids include flax seeds, walnuts, and salmon.

  • Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries may help prevent the release of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland. During stressful situations, cortisol heads toward your hippocampus, a major portion of the brain that stores memories, provides emotional responses, and helps with navigation.

  • Limit Sugar Intake: Research from UCLA suggests that too much sugar and too few omega-3 fatty acids can functionally change your brain and slow it down. Research on how the brain works is always ongoing. But it’s a safe bet to stay away from sugar — especially if you’re feeling depressed.

  • Folic Acid: Some research on folic acid’s effect on the brain has given insight into how it can boost your mood. Folic acid can be found in leafy greens, oatmeal, sunflower seeds, oranges, fortified cereals, lentils, black-eyed peas, and soybeans.

  • Vitamin B-12: Like folic acid, low levels of vitamin B-12 in the blood are associated with depression, but researchers can’t find definitive evidence as to why. Food sources of vitamin B-12 include lean beef, clams, oysters, crab, wild salmon, eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, milk, and fortified cereals.

  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because your body can make it by using cholesterol and absorbing natural sunshine. Your mood may improve with as little as 10 minutes of sun exposure. This is why light therapy is an important treatment for SAD. Your body can also absorb vitamin D through food. Food sources of vitamin D include milk, egg yolks, mushrooms, and fish that have bones.

  • Dark chocolate: Participants in one study were given a dark chocolate mixed drink every day for a month. Results showed significantly improved mood, which researchers linked with a high polyphenol content. Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant. When you’re feeling down, pick up a bar with the highest cocoa content you can find.

  • Turkey: Turkey contains the amino acid tryptophan and melatonin, which are the calming and relaxing chemicals that make you tired after Thanksgiving dinner. Tapping into turkey’s calming powers is a great, natural way to help your body cut through stressful situations.

  • Bananas: Like turkey, bananas contain tryptophan. Besides that, the carbohydrates from natural sugars and potassium in bananas help fuel your brain. Magnesium, also found in bananas, may improve sleep and reduce anxiety — two symptoms of seasonal depression.

Source: healthline.com

Featured Book

Mental Health News

Catch up on the latest articles and news headlines about mental health, bipolar disorder and depression at Rebecca’s Dream “The Voice” and Press.

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