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February
2007: Seasonal Affective Disorder
Click on the links below to
go directly to that article.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Those of us who have
lived in central Indiana for a number of years find it simply part of the
annual routine to slow down a bit in the winter, grey, dark months. The
blankets in bed seem warmer and harder to relinquish on those dark mornings!
However, there is a
difference between the normal winter blues many of us slug through and
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Below you'll find some of the defining
characteristics of SAD. If you or a friend identifies with this list, please
read the web resources this month. They are BRIEF, informative and
comprehensive (covering symptoms, treatment, biological research and coping
skills).
Characteristics of SAD include:
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Increased sleeping
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Increased eating and
weight gain (especially a craving for carbohydrates)
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Decreased energy
-
Feelings of hopelessness,
worthlessness
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Decreased sexual drive
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Decreased interest in
things one usually finds pleasurable
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Decreased social contact
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Increased irritability
These symptoms are present
only during the fall and winter and subside in the spring and summer (unless
there is a long period of cloudy days which could reintroduce the symptoms).
Also, it is suggested that two or three seasons in a row would need to be
experienced in this way to truly meet criteria for SAD.
SAD is virtually non-existent in the latitudes within 30 degrees of the
equator. The intense sunlight available there eradicates the problem. Those
of us who don’t reside in the tropics are best helped by light therapy to
introduce the intensity and duration of light that our bodies need to
restore themselves to full functioning. Some SAD sufferers may also need the
help of antidepressants as well as cognitive therapy to learn coping skills
to get through the season in a functional way.
For more information we would strongly urge you to visit the following
websites and get some excellent information for help.
Resources
WEBSITES
http://cet.org/
A nonprofit site dedicated to Seasonal Affective Disorder created by
chronobiological researchers, including lightbox criterias, individual
professional advice and newest clinical studies.
www.mayoclinic.com
Excellent source for information outlining the symptoms and treatment of
SAD.
www.mentalhealth.com
Interesting history in addition to info on symptoms, treatment and research.
www.nmha.org
Another informative site on the disorder.
http://www.outsidein.co.uk
General information and support for sufferers of SAD.
www.sada.org.UK
Site of the SAD. Association and offering an excellent, simple overview to
the disorder with research on the light therapies available.
BOOK
 Winter Blues:
Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder
by Norman E. Rosenthal (the first to study SAD in 1984) is described by many
of these sites as a classic, must read on this subject.
Help for the Journey
It is our prayer at the
Counseling Center
at the Crossing to be of help to you and those you serve.
Please contact us at 317-575-6500 if you know of someone who is struggling
to get through this winter in a health way. We consider it a true joy and
blessing to counsel and encourage those who are in a difficult time.
Should you have specific topics that you would like to see us address in the
coming year, please email us at
cherie@indyhope.com. We will
happily try to incorporate those needs into this year’s e-mail newsletters.
May God’s love richly bless you this month!
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