Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs during the same season each year, typically in winter months. While no one knows the definitive cause of SAD, some believe it is caused by lack of sunlight.

Treatments include light box therapy - a device that simulates the suns rays and increases serotonin levels. Exercise, especially outdoor activities, are beneficial and also combat holiday weight gain. Maintain a proper schedule for you and your family. Make sure that everyone is getting a decent amount of sleep. Whenever possible, keep the shades open in your house. Letting in the nature light can boost your mood.

PIN is seeking a Parent Coordinator for the Taunton/Attleboro area. Do you have experience raising a child with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges? Do you want to help other parents like yourself? Click here to view the posting for this position. Preference will be given to those living in the Taunton/Attleboro area. 

PIN parents were asked: What is your New Year's resolution?

"One resolution I will be sharing with my children is to be more mindful. We are a family of worriers. I hope in being more mindful and present that we will become less preoccupied with all the things that could go wrong and just enjoy the moment."

"Instead of a resolution, I set goals. My goals for the new year include: being more patient with my son; more positive comments when he does well; more thanks for every day that he is still here."

"My goal for the new year is to take better care of myself: healthy eating, walking and time just for me. I am going to try really hard not to feel guilty about taking this time for myself and having down time when I need it. I know I will be a better mom to my kids if I do this!"

* Exercise! Exercise increases the amount of serotonin in the brain and helps to improve mood. Though you may not be able to get outside during the coldest months, pick a fun exercise video, challenge the family to a Wii Sports tournament, or throw a dance party in the living room! 

* After getting active, designate time for rest and relaxation. Listen to calming music, read a good book, or practice meditative breathing or visualization. 

* Create a list of fun things your family can do together, such as playing board games, doing arts and crafts projects, or baking. Engaging in fun activities like these has been proven to elevate mood. 

* Fun activities can be enjoyable by ourselves, but are often even more pleasurable when done with other people. Plan a lunch or dinner party with your neighbors or your children's friends. 

* Being productive and accomplishing goals can also elevate our mood. Take advantage of having to stay indoors by tackling chores or projects you don't usually have time for. 

* Get out of the house whenever you can. Bundle up and take a brisk walk around the block to get some fresh air and a little sunlight. Alternatively, going to a movie, the library, or a museum are great ways to get out of the house for a few hours.

Peer Run Youth Advisory Council welcomes youth in recovery across Massachusetts!

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) created a Statewide Youth Advisory Council (SYAC) and area/local young adult councils across the state in 2006. These councils were created for young adults between ages 16-25 who are or have been involved in the DMH system to voice their concerns and needs for mental health services during a young person's transition period, and to serve as an advisory board to the Department of Mental Health's Transition Age Youth Initiative. SYAC is 100 percent youth led, and meeting ideas and agendas are developed by members with support from DMH staff. Past and current activities of the SYAC include: Working on an employment website for young adults with lived experience in MA (www.reachhirema.org), social and recreational activities, presenting recovery stories, trainings, developing newsletters, etc. Any young adult who has lived experience with mental illness and is interested in sharing experiences or ideas about young adult mental health services and policies is welcome to join.

Please join us from 2:00 - 4:00 pm on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Tatnuck Bookstore on 18 Lyman St, Westborough, MA in the Westborough Shopping Center.

This month's topic is "Helpful Things to Think About as a Father When Responding to Your Child's Crisis." Click here to view the flyer for this unique support group.