Feeling blue? - Things you can do

There are plenty of things that can get someone down - loss of a job, struggles at home, or even a traffic jam at the end of a hard day. But when does someone know if they are just feeling blue, or truly suffering from clinical depression?

"We all feel blue once in a while," explains George Nasra, M.D., of Unity's Behavioral Health in Primary Care Program. "But when feeling blue affects your life or lasts longer than a week, it could be a sign of something else."

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, during the course of a year, over 17 million Americans suffer symptoms of clinical depression. The figures are even higher among specific populations such as hospital inpatients, the chronically ill, and the confined elderly.

As part of Unity Health System's "Let's Talk Health" lecture series, a seminar focused on depression, anxiety, and "feeling blue" will be will held on Wednesday, March 24 at 7 p.m. in the Park Ridge Education Center, 1555 Long Pond Road, Rochester. The seminar will also discuss available treatment options.

Dr. Nasra is the seminar's keynote presenter, and following his remarks there will be an informal question and answer period with other health professionals providing participants with additional resources.

Limited seating is available, and free parking is provided in all Park Ridge Campus lots. Call 368-3000 to reserve a seat, or log onto www.unityhealth.org.