Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

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Misty L. Trepke

http://www..com

 

Good Morning!

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression. Most

people tend to slow down a little in the winter and experience some

form of " winter blues, " but full-blown SAD can be extremely

disabling.

 

SAD is often the result of the winter season when the days are

shorter. People tend to sleep more, become sedentary, crave

carbohydrates, gain weight, and avoid social interaction.

Psychologically, they are depressed.

 

Attaining a balance of yin-yang or light and dark is innate in the

Feng Shui philosophy. Although we cannot see the electromagnetic

frequencies of the earth or planets, it is important for us to live

in an environment that allows us to be synchronized with these

forces.

 

Many sufferers are often unable to function without continuous

treatment. Depending on the person and the geographical location,

the depression can last for several months with symptoms such as

overeating with carbohydrate craving and weight gain, sleeping more

than usual, fatigue, and social withdrawal. It is the long duration

of the symptoms that distinguish SAD from the so-called holiday

blues.

 

It is not known why some people (those between 18 and 30) are more

likely to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder and why it seems

to affect women more than men ... unless the statistics are based on

the fact that women are more ready to admit to depression and ask

for help than men.

 

There are several alternative therapies for treating seasonal

depression. One which has been used with remarkable success is Light

Therapy. Light and color have been valued throughout history as

sources of healing. Today, the therapeutic applications of light and

color are being investigated in major hospitals and research centers

worldwide. Results indicate that full-spectrum, ultraviolet,

colored, and laser light can have therapeutic value for a range of

conditions from chronic pain and depression to immune disorders.

 

The oldest form of light therapy is natural sunlight, which is the

ultimate source of full-spectrum light. For those living in areas

that see very little sunlight this time of year, there are other

options; full-spectrum light therapy, bright light therapy, various

forms of UV light therapy, syntonic optometry, cold laser therapy,

and visual color therapy.

 

For treating SAD, white light therapy is often preferred over the

full-spectrum light because the additional UV light found in full-

spectrum light is not necessary to achieve the antidepressant effect

of the therapy, and can be harmful to the eyes. Different

wavelengths stimulate different aspects of our physiology, all

playing a vital role in our functioning. We especially need natural

light with its subtle variations that act on our well-being. The

rhythm of dark and light from day and night and the full-spectrum of

light is essential to our circadian rhythms (biological clock),

endocrine, immune, sexual and nervous systems.

 

Depression may be the result of inadequate or improper nourishment.

If the brain is not receiving sufficient fuel, it will not function

properly.

 

Vitamin B deficiency is often a physical cause of depression.

 

The best approach to combating depression is to eat more wholefoods,

give up sugar, tea, coffee, alcohol.

 

L-Tyrosine is essential for alleviating stress by boosting

production of adrenaline. It also raises dopamine levels which

influence moods. (Do not take if you are taking an MAO inhibitor

drug.) It should be taken on an empty stomach with 50 mgs Vitamin B6

and 100-500 mgs of Vitamin C for better absorption. Best taken at

bedtime.

 

Increase your intake of vitamin B complex, 100 mgs 3 times daily

Plus extra Vitamin B 5, 500 mgs daily, the most potent anti-stress

vitamin.

 

Vitamin C, 2,000-10,000 mgs daily in divided doses.

 

Increasing your Potassium 80 mgs, Calcium 1,500-2,000 mgs daily and

Magnesium 1,000 mgs daily is helpful.

 

Low doses of Melatonin seem to help many people by regulating

balance in the body. Try using half the recommended dose for the

first 3-4 days and monitor your results.

 

Meditating. Quieting your mind for 10-15 minutes is a wonderful

release.

 

Aromatherapy is very effective. Jasmine and Bergamot oils are

uplifting and refreshing, while lavender is calming and relaxing.

Put a little on your wrists, or a piece of cloth you can carry with

you. In a pan of hot water drop about 6-8 drops of oil to diffuse it

into the air, or perhaps you have your own diffuser.

 

I always like to stress one other factor which plays a major role in

our mind-body connection. That is our belief system. It often is

what you believe it to be. Your Belief System is an important part

in healing.

 

Allow your self, change, time off, a different path. Seek what it is

that is at the root of your dis-ease or uncomfort. Address it.

Believe that you can do that.

 

EXERCISE

 

MOVE!!!! Exercise also plays a MAJOR role in the treatment of

depression.

 

Exercise is very helpful in depression because it stimulates

circulation and releases serotonins in the brain, the hormones that

encourage contentment and an all around feeling of happiness.

 

It not only keep the body physically and mentally fit but

also provides recreation and mental relaxation. It is nature's best

tranquilizer. Exercise produces chemical and psychological changes

that improves your mental health. It changes the levels of hormones

in blood and may elevate your beta-endorphins (mood-affecting brain

chemicals). Exercise may also improve the function of the autonomic

nervous system.

 

Exercise also gives a feeling of accomplishment and thus reduces the

sense of helplessness. Some form of active exercise, must be

undertaken each day at a regular hour. To be really useful, exercise

should be done in such a manner as to bring into action all the

muscles of the body in a natural way. Walking is one such exercise.

It is , however, so gentle that one must walk several miles in a

brisk manner to constitute a fair amount of exercise. Aerobics (low

impact) is even better, for it increases cardiovascular health and

wipes out the focus of depression and makes you feel wonderful! 3-5

days a week at 30 -40 minutes should be your goal.

The depressive mood can be OVERCOME by activity. Those who are

depressive will forget their misery by doing something. They should

turn away from themselves and consider others. At home they can take

to decorating, repairing or constructing something new. The pleasure

of achievement overcomes the distress of misery. Stop making excuses!

 

 

NUTRITION

Water is essential in any healing process. Distilled water is the

best. 6-8 eight ounces glasses per day. Diet has a " profound effect "

on the mental health of a person. Even a single nutritional

deficiency can cause depression in susceptible people. Nutritional

therapy can be used to build up brain chemicals, such as serotonin

and norepinephrine, that affect mood and are often lacking in

depressed people. Eat foods rich in B vitamins, such as

whole grains, green vegetables, eggs and fish.

 

The diet of people suffering from depression should completely

exclude tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate and cola, all white flour

products,sugar, food colorings, chemical additives, white rice and

strong condiments.

 

The diet should be restricted to three meals. Fruits can be taken in

the morning for breakfast with milk and a handful of nuts and seeds.

Lunch may consist of steamed vegetables, whole wheat bread and a

glass of butter-milk. For dinner, green vegetable salad and all

available sprouts such as alfalfa seeds, cottage cheese or a glass

of butter-milk would be ideal. This is one example. Do what is right

for you! DO NOT over eat.

 

Andrew Pacholyk, LMT, MT-BC, CA

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body & spirit

[Guest guest]

Good article Misty!

 

Does anyone know of a good light to buy? I have seen several

advertised, but don't really know what to look for. And - like the sun

- would they be a source of Vitamin D, or can you just get that from the

sun?

 

Thanks for information,

Carol M

www.bluegreensolutions.com <http://www.bluegreensolutions.com/>

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

 

Misty L. Trepke [mistytrepke]

 

 

Comments?

Misty L. Trepke

http://www..com

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)