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If you're like my wife and others I know then by now you've had enough of winter. Sunsets come too early. Clouds block the sunshine too often. You miss the warm, bright sunshine so much it makes you sad. For some people being sad about a lack of sunshine means developing a kind of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.).

S.A.D. is a real phenomenon. You may find this hard to believe if, like me, you welcome the change of season, even when it means cloudy skies, rain, or cooler temperatures (Native Southern Californians don't know what winter is. Being from Chicago I can tell you what winter really means!) S.A.D. is a serious problem which can develop into a full blown depression. For some it's so serious that wintertime's dark days may even plunge them into despair and thoughts of suicide.

You may be struggling with S.A.D. if in the wintertime you have some of the following symptoms: sleep more, have less energy, crave sweets or other foods, gain weight, blue mood, feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, or negative feelings about yourself. These symptoms are greatly relieved with the coming of spring. In fact, those with S.A.D. are likely to get an intense case of spring fever.

If you have symptoms of S.A.D. you don't have to wait for the spring blossoms and birds singing in the sunshine to bring a smile back to your face. Help is available. A weekend of sunshine in Palm Springs or even an hour in a tanning salon may help immensely. Exercise and a healthy diet (low on sugar and fat) also help. As with any form of depression it is very important to talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling. The caring support of a friend can be a great encouragement.

At New Hope our volunteers talk to people struggling with S.A.D. most every day in the winter time. (With many of the calls coming from up North or back East.) Sometimes we need to refer people for professional couneling or to a medical doctor for anti-depressant medication.

Our volunteers understand S.A.D. Some have had it. Others have worked through depression in their past. All have a story to tell about their journey and how God and the church have helped them get through difficult times and feel better about themselves and their future. For them New Hope is an integral part of their well-being. The New Hope training and relationships have helped them to grow. And they've discovered that helping others helps them. Listening to other people's struggles and caring for their hurts helps them to feel significant, like they are being used by God to make a difference in people's lives. And it feels good to feel connected to the callers, to God, to each other, and to themselves. This is what New Hope is all about.

We have someone waiting at a phone to answer the call of anyone from around the world who dials (714) NEW-HOPE. And we have a family of volunteers which always has room for one more. If you're a Christian who cares about other people and you're looking for new opportunity to serve, to belong, to grow, and to learn then call the New Hope office at (714) 971-4123 and ask Susie to tell you about our upcoming spring training class.