2 THE FREE PRESS NEWS JANUARY 2, 2000 ▼ From Front Don’t stress about the season a university study by Bruno Zumbo and Anita Hubley, both of UNBC. They discovered that gloom can hit anybody at this time of year, not just the socially unfortunate. "If you track an individual over a long period of time, four or five months, you will often see a dip in anyone’s mood around the Christmas season,” says Ms. Hubley. “There is so much pressure and stress at this time of year, even if you are a normal, well-adjusted person it can have an affect. There are huge societal expectations this time of year -good cheer, presents, pressure for people to love their presents, a lot of work to get ready, maybe there’s travel involved -and most families can’t hope to live up to those expectations.” Compounding the depressed mood is a sense of isolation. People are loathe to talk about somber topics this time of year, and even more loath to listen. It is busy, everyone else seems so happy and together, but under the surface of almost everyone is some amount of stress. Perhaps even a lot of stress. There are family issues (separation You are allowed to set realistic expectations. Anita Hubley or fear of conflicts), money concerns, worries about all the responsibilities, loneliness, and sometimes even a feeling of doom - like even Christmas isn’t going to pull them out of their tough streak, so why go on at all? There is not, however, a spike in the suicide rate in December. There is a little blip just after New Year’s, but the Christmas blues seem to wane with the season. Ms. Hubley says there are few ways to spot someone in the clutches of the Christmas blues, but you may be able to diagnose yourself and do something about it. “It is sometimes similar to a clinical depression. There are many similar symptoms, but not at same level. Someone may have difficulty sleeping, could be changes in appetite (increases or decreases), they might lose interest in things they normally like doing, feel down - but it is not as pronounced or severe as clinical depression. It is a real phenomena, though, and some people are debilitated by it. It is really more related to stress than depression, and that can be intensified by the higher alcohol rate and the money issues that come out this time of year. But that all fits more under the heading of stress.” Helping the situation is the equally strong Christmas spirit, if it is directed properly. Including lone people in your family plans can be a huge lift. Remember to seek out the forgotten. Remember friends as well as stray family members. Don’t overwhelm yourself with yuletide stress. “It doesn’t have to be what society tells us Christmas is,” says Ms. Hubley. “You can best decide for yourself how you want to spend your Christmas. You are allowed to set realistic expectations.” It can make the difference between having the Christmas blues and, as Elvis suggests, having a blue, blue Christmas. DR. ANDY SOO HOO 30 years in practice would like to offer a 'FREE INTRODUCTORY TREATMENT",» new patient, ■ Former Vice Chair, B.C. College of Acupuncturists 1 Certified Acupuncturist California First Follow Quit Smoking Or Treatment Up Treatment Weight Loss Program For New Patients FRiE O $35.00 O IS Must Present Coupon For 5 Treatment >§»§ i Prince George Acupuncture Centre , E3 721-715 VICTORIA STREET • 612-3738 Call for a free consultation ICBC & WCB Referrals ^OFf»R|NCtGt0 Can you contibute a few hours each month to your community? Volunteer fora Council Committee! City Council has established various Committees, Commissions, and Boards to which it appoints members of the public as well as representatives from certain agencies and organizations. These Committees, Commissions and Boards provide residents of our community the opportunity to participate in the development of our municipality and the delivery of municipal services within our city. The Terms of Reference and expectations of each of these committees differ somewhat from each other, providing the public the opportunity to apply for the ones which most interest them. The committees to which membership applications are invited at this time include: Family Court / Youth Justice Committee (1 vacancy - Community at Large) Intercultural Committee (6 vacancies - Phone for a detailed list of representatives required) Library Board (5 vacancies) Social Grants Advisory Committee (I vacancy - Community Representative) Standing Committee on Youth (1 vacancy - A Youth Representative of 12 to 17 years of age) In addition to the aims and purposes established by statute and bylaw, these committees: V* Provide information and well-considered advice to Council and City Staff; ✓ Educate and raise awareness of Council and City Staff; and ✓ Provide concrete recommendations for consideration by Council and City Staff. For further information or to receive an application form, please contact Doreen at 561-7782. Applications may also be picked up at the Fifth Floor of City Hall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard. Applications or letter of resume received by the deadline will be considered by City Council at a regular Council Meeting in late January or early February, 2(KX). Please note that information submitted is included in the public Council agenda. * The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 5:0(1 pin, January 25, 2000.* CALL NOW... START TODAY! 960-1441 Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop 277 George St. 564-7707 Winter clothing, boots, dishes, drapes, cotton & grease rags, books, craft material, quilts. Donations gratefully accepted during store hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm All proceeds go towards equipment JorP.G.R.H. THE PRINCE GEORGE FREE PRESS Our Graduates Find Employment! COMPUTER & OFFICE SKILLS TRAINING - Career Placement Assistance -Mornings, afternoons or evenings! Financial Assistance may be available to eligible students H^CADcmv of LEtfnmc Computer & Business Career College ,, REGISTERED & ACCREDITED by the Private Post Secondary Education Commission of BC. _J_ 198 Kingston Street, Prince George Break and enter case in January A 22-year-old faces theft and break in charges will get a trial very promptly in the New Year. Allen Judd was nabbed on December 7 following a break and enter downtown. He was on parole at the time, after serving a portion of a four-year sentence for criminal negligence causing death. His parole was revoked as a result of these charges. Police were initially told of a Chevy Blazer stolen from the Odeon Theatre parking lot. Moments later, what police believed to be the same vehicle was spotted leaving the scene of an alleged break and enter at Erzsils Hair Salon on Que- bec Street. Police claim $1,000 worth of hair care products had been stolen from the shop. There was little chase however, as the Blazer crashed into a pole near Fifth Avenue and Harper Street. There were three people in the vehicle, including Mr. Judd. The other two are still at large. Mr. Judd has pleaded not guilty to the charges and chosen a trial in Provincial court before a judge alone. That trial is set for January 10 and 11. Is it your time Monthly Breast Self-Exam to check? Sponsored by: CANADIAN FOUNDATION BRUAST CANCKK CANADIENNE POUR FOUNDATION IE CANCKK DU SHIN 75 SHOPPERS Sdrugmart.