Do these dark winter blues have you feeling a bit down? You are not not alone. Winter seasonal affective disorder affects millions of people around the globe every year.
Calling this time of year after the holidays the “January Blahs” NEPA resident Christopher Vernon, who writes a weekly movie column for the Times Leader, has established The Awakenings, a new general support group intended to leave no issue off the table.
“Whether you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, depression, addictive personality, health diagnosis, etc. …,” Vernon said, “The Awakenings will have your back. The intent of the group is to ultimately connect, share, and in the end grow. Each monthly session will end with a heavy dose of focusing on gratitude and what is right in each attendee’s life, as opposed to what we focus on far too much, which is what we see as wrong. “
At this time of year many people work on New Year’s resolutions that address the exterior of the person; Vernon suggests this support group can help people “get healthier on the inside.”
The free support group, which Vernon describes as “completely confidential” and “judgement free” will meet at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month in the rear private event room at Groove Brewing, 1401 Sanderson Avenue in Scranton.