in good health the cold
in good health the cold facts How to avoid the ‘SAD’ winter blues By Vanessa Denha Garmo During the winter season, some people’s bodies undergo serious changes to the point that it affects their mood and personality. If you are someone who gets sad often in the winter it may be because you have SAD, which is the acronym for Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is also sometimes called winter depression, winter blues, or the hibernation reaction. “The most pronounced signs and symptoms include loss of energy, irritability, overeating, weight gain, increased sleep and sleepiness and feelings of depression and joylessness,” explained Laurie Mastrogianis, PhD, LP, LPC, a licensed psychologist with S.T.A.R.S. of Wellness. SAD has been referred to as a type of depression that tends to occur as the days grow shorter in the fall and winter. It is believed that affected people react adversely to the decreasing amounts of sunlight and the colder temperatures as the fall and winter progress. “Most everybody living in the cold-weather states is affected by the sense of cabin fever during the winter months,” said Mastrogianis. However, some people experience a more severe version, which is SAD. “Also, people who are just sub-threshold for major depression and/or generalized anxiety disorder usually experience an exasperation of their symptoms that can take these conditions over the edge, so to say.” The symptoms of SAD vary from person to person. Although there is no specific diagnostic test for the illness, symptoms include tiredness, fatigue, depression, crying spells, irritability, trouble concentrating, body aches, loss of sex drive, poor sleep, decreased activity level, and overeating, especially of carbohydrates, with associated weight gain. When the condition presents in the summer, the symptoms are more commonly insomnia, poor appetite and weight loss in addition to irritability, difficulty concentrating and crying spells. In severe instances, seasonal affective disorder can be associated with thoughts of suicide. The symptoms of SAD typically tend to begin in the fall each year and last until spring. The symptoms are more intense during the darkest months. Therefore, the more common months of symptoms will vary depending on how far away from the equator one lives. “The symptoms usually start in the fall when daylight decreases — usually most noticeable when we move the clocks back at the end of Daylight Savings Time,” said Mastrogianis. There are various remedies for SAD. “Light therapy, where you sit a few feet from a light box for 20 minutes a day, can help,” explained Mastrogianis. “Also, natural, drugfree strategies for increased energy and enhanced mood, such as cardiovascular exercise, can make a big difference. Talking with a mental health professional to identify and manage SAD symptoms and triggers can help. A popular antidote in our culture also tends to be use of antidepressant medications.” However, Mastrogianis notes that a problem with the popular use of antidepressants is the unfortunate side effects of weight gain and loss of libido. This can exacerbate the symptoms of SAD — especially for women, who struggle with self-esteem issues around these side effects. “Therefore,” she said, “I believe as a holistic psychologist that it’s best to pursue non-pharmacological measures first.” RON GARMO Licensed and Insured Contractor 248.884.1704 runningright@gmail.com “We’re working to keep your systems Running Right!” Now offeriNg Duct cleaNiNg ServiceS > HEATING > VENTILATION > AIR CONDITIONING > REFRIGERATION > COMMERCIAL / RESIDENTIAL > NEW CONSTRUCTION > RADIANT FLOOR HEATING StartiNg at 0 per SyStem NO HASSLE WARRANTIES www.runningrighthvacr.info WE ACCEPT VISA & MASTERCARD 46 CHALDEAN NEWS NOVEMBER 2011
NOVEMBER 2011 CHALDEAN NEWS 47
