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Post by Mary on Dec 22, 2006 16:55:59 GMT -5
SAD From Phylameana lila Desy, Your Guide to Holistic Healing. FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Seasonal Affective Disorder In December, a month when we are expected to be jovial during holiday activities, we can be overwhelmed with feelings of sadness. Winter season is notorious for its gloomy gray skies, cold drizzling rainfall, and occasional dismal snowfall. SAD season births its symptomatic depressive beginnings approximately at the end of October when we set our clocks to (Standard Time) fall-back an hour (Daylight Savings Time). This change in time results in our shorter daylight hours appearing even more so. This all makes us feel SAD, and are likely to continually feel SADder even more as the season progresses. SAD hovers above our heads, its emotional clouds filled with feelings of depression, melancholy, and anxiety, as we try to get through each darkened day.
Whereas I can often feel comforted by one day without sunshine and burrow in to the darkness and crawl under a comforter to read a good book or watch an old movie...too many days of light deprivation can make me very cranky and lethargic. Sponsored Links
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light therapy for sadMany units now on sale. 10000 lux light boxes & visors in stockwww.sunbox.com I've never been diagnosed by the medical professionals as being a sufferer of SAD, but I do notice that I am affected by the autumn and winter seasonal changes, also to lack of sunshine any time of year. My symptoms are not extreme for the most part....perhaps because I do my best to tune into what is happening to me and look for ways to improve my spirits.
I once clerked in an office atmosphere located in a basement space where there were no windows. I remained employed through the months of January until June but the lack of daylight in the workplace made me so unhappy I quit. I vowed I would never again work in a place without a window view to the outdoors.
SAD Symptoms
* Change in sleep patterns o oversleeping but not refreshed o cannot get out of bed o need afternoon naps * Depression o feelings of despair, misery, guilt, anxiety, hopelessness, etc. o normal tasks become frustratingly difficult o withdrawal from friends and family o avoiding company o crankiness or irritability o lack of feeling/emotion o constant state of sadness * Lethargy o decreased energy o everything an effort o decreased productivity * Physical Ailments o joint pain o stomach problems o lowered resistance to infection o weight gain o premenstrual syndrome (worsens or only occurs in winter) * Behavioral Problems o appetite changes (usually increased appetite) o carbohydrate craving o loss of interest in sex o difficulty concentrating o not accomplishing tasks
Seasonal Affective Disorder, also called Winter Depression, affects approximately 10 million people in the United States alone. Women are three times more likely than men to suffer from this disorder. People who live in colder climates have a higher incidence of SAD than do those who live in warm, sunny locations. I read once that Norway's population had the highest percentage of SAD sufferers than anywhere else on the earth. In the US, the states Washington and Oregon are well-known SAD risk areas. I imagine that Canadian citizens battle this disorder as well. It has also been documented that suicide rates are higher in places of increased light deprivation.
SAD Treatments
* Low fat diet, without too much protein * Daily vitamin with magnesium, B complex, and minerals * Elimination of caffeine * Reduce Stress * Elimination of refined sugars and flours * Walking or aerobic exercise * Saint John's Wort * Mustard Flower Essences * Herbal remedies * Thirty minutes each day in the fresh air (in the sunlight if the weather permits, don't forget sunscreen!) * Light therapy (Light, whether it is natural or artificial, is essential in your life)
More SAD Resources
SAD - Seasonal Affective DisorderSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Seasonal Affective DisorderSeasonal Affective DisorderSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
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Post by Mary on Dec 22, 2006 17:02:16 GMT -5
For most, the holiday season brings thoughts of happiness and joy... however for others the holiday season can bring two very unwelcome guests known as anxiety and depression. These two nasty intruders often bring along feelings of overwhelmed pressures as individuals prepare to try to meet all of their social expectations.
We all experience the holiday season differently... some will become depressed as they think back over lost time and lost loved ones. People can often feel alone and empty during this season. Sometimes people that battle with anxiety and depression during the holidays become depressed when they think back to missed goals or accomplishments.
This time of year is the time when we all start looking back at the last twelve months and we try to look ahead towards the next twelve months. But sometimes we get stuck... just looking back... not looking forward because we can't stop focusing on our failures from the year that has so quickly passed by. Once those thoughts of failure have set in... the partners in crime known as anxiety and depression come out and show their ugly heads again.
If you have get stuck looking back and forget to look forward... I want you to stop... grab your rear view mirror (figuratively) and throw it out the window. Stop dwelling on things that you can't change and start looking towards the things that you can do in the next year ahead.
The holiday season spans about a six week period and during that time frame we need to make sure that we give ourselves enough time to get all of our expectations taken care of... with time to spare for relaxation to help relieve the holiday anxiety and depression symptoms that may have occurred. Don't save all of your shopping till the last minute. The last minute is when you want to be relaxing, melting those holiday anxieties away.
The holidays can bring you on a roller coaster ride of mixed emotions. We often tend to reminisce and reflect about our past... maybe we are depressed because we can not get home for the holidays... or maybe we didn't meet our goals last year...
How can we battle this tag team? How do we stop anxiety and depression when they tag along for the holiday season? How do we melt away the holiday blues?
Ryan Puusaari is the webmaster behind "Conquer Depression." For the answers that you seek about battling with anxiety and depression visit =>http://www.ConquerDepression.net
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Post by Mary on Dec 22, 2006 17:07:02 GMT -5
TEN TIPS FOR BEATING DEPRESSION
I heard about a woman who was suffering from depression, so her concerned husband took her to a psychiatrist. The doctor listened to the couple talk about their relationship, and then he said, "The treatment I prescribe is really quite simple." With that, he went over to the man's wife, gathered her up in his arms, and gave her a big kiss. He then stepped back and looked at the woman's glowing face and broad smile. Turning to the woman's husband, he said, "See! That's all she needs to put new life back into her." Expressionless, the husband said, "If you say so, Doc, I can bring her in on Tuesdays and Thursdays."
Okay, that's not how to treat depression, but I have a few other suggestions that make more sense. As a result of trial and error, over the course of thirty years, I've found ten blues battling strategies that often help me. These are not quick fixes, and this list is not exhaustive. It is also not a "must do" list.
When you're depressed, the last thing you need is a list of expectations to live up to. Don't stress about forcing yourself to accomplish all these things. They're not items to be checked off a list each day. The only one that is crucial is number one. After that, you can experiment with the others as you feel able to.
1) Get the Facts and Get Help.
Web sites and books on depression abound. Find them and do some research. You need to know what you're dealing with. Learn all you can about depression, so you can make educated decisions about your own health, learn how others cope, and find what medical treatment is available. Many books have self tests to help you determine whether you are experiencing clinical depression or temporary sadness in reaction to an event. In addition to reading everything you can get your hands on, one of the most important things you can do for yourself is seek medical help right away. Depression is much too complicated for you to solve on your own. Clinical depression is a serious medical condition that is very complicated to treat. Often it is a physical problem that requires long term medication. In my own experience, it's taken years of medication, counseling, and practicing various self help methods to slowly emerge from it, and it's still a daily battle.
Many people suffer needlessly from depression because they won't consult a doctor. If you're waiting for God to heal you, consider this: God gives scientists intelligence, which they often use to create helpful medicines; and He gives doctors wisdom to treat illnesses. Wise doctors and modern medicines are gifts from God and vehicles through which He often heals. Doctors can help you determine whether what you feel is truly depression, or if you are just reacting normally to a sad life situation.
If you've experienced depression, you already know it is not an illness you can "snap out of," no matter what others may tell you. It's not something to be ashamed of either. Depression can be a serious physical illness caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals or other factors. Like any serious medical condition, depression needs to be treated. Without the proper treatment, none of my suggested coping strategies will do any good.
2) Get Focused.
Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness pervade the life of a depressed person. The opposite of depression is a hopeful attitude. Focusing on hope and developing a hopeful heart is a must. It can be accomplished in a couple ways. One way is to search the Bible for the numerous Scriptures that tell how God has helped those who felt hopeless. It's helpful to memorize verses like these: Hebrews 4:15 (For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.); 2 Corinthians 4:8 & 9 (All-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.); Matthew 6:34 (Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.); Isaiah 41:10 (Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.); and John 14:27 (Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.).
The story of Job and the book of Psalms are the most worn pages in my Bible. While at my lowest, I've read and re-read them more times than I can count. My fridge and the mirrors in my house are covered with sticky notes reminding me of how God intervenes in the lives of His people.
Another way to focus on hope is by practicing positive self talk. This simply means telling yourself good things. I made a list for myself of positive affirmations like "God cares and understands my pain. God values me. God is giving me strength. I am made in God's image. I can choose my attitude. I choose not to put myself down. I'm a worthwhile person. I have a purpose. I enjoy life. I choose to be happy and I am competent." If you struggle with depression, I think you'll find it helpful to write down as many of these affirmations as you can think of and read them every day. Even if they're not currently true or you don't really believe them, it's okay. Say them to yourself anyway. Your mind will come to believe what you tell it, so tell it you are already the type of person you want to become. Be sure to remind yourself often that God is with you and He is pouring his strength on you. "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance. ...For You are the God of my strength..." (Psalm 42:5 and 43:2 NKJV)
2 Corinthians 4:18 says we need to "fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Focusing on positive, heavenly things rather than earthly things will keep the feelings of hopelessness at bay.
3) Get Friendly.
Fellowship with other people is a mood lifter. Being alone is the worst thing you can do when you're depressed. Unfortunately, it's usually the very thing I want most. Depression grows best in isolation. I find it very difficult to get out and socialize when I'm depressed, but if I push myself to do it, I'm almost always glad later. Some ideas for socializing include joining a club, taking a class, inviting someone to meet you for lunch, or visiting a nursing home to chat with the residents there. It especially helps me to be with friends who enjoy the same hobbies I do. Shopping, watching movies, and rubber stamping are some of the things I enjoy doing alone, but they're twice as much fun when I do them with friends.
4) Get Giggling.
I collect cartoons and funny newspaper columns. I visit humor web sites online, watch funny movies, and read funny books. Best of all is laughing with friends. One of the reasons I enjoy my grandson so much is because he makes me laugh. I can act goofy with him and let go of my inhibitions. We dance and sing and make up silly rhymes. I have photographs of us wearing funny glasses with big black mustaches. I laugh every time I look at those. Laughing affects brain chemicals. It releases endorphins, which make you feel good. Chocolate does the same thing, but a good laugh is less fattening.
A friend of mine, who had a very frustrating job, told me that one day she was inspired by someone who had a huge, bright smile. She decided to emulate that woman and smile at everyone she encountered. Right away, she realized that smiling was addictive. It seemed to make the time pass more quickly and she found herself less frustrated and more at peace. She told me, "It sounds corny, but it really works!"
Paul wrote, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4 NKJV) I've heard that a person can act her way into feeling better. Act happy, act glad, and it helps you to feel happy and glad. Paul exhibited this truth in his own life. Acts 16 tells how Paul and Silas were attacked, beaten, locked in stocks, and thrown into solitary confinement. Yet, at midnight, what were they doing? Feeling sorry for themselves? Asking God, "Why?" Moaning and complaining like I do? No, they were singing! Sure they were suffering, but they knew they were children of God. Paul may have even been remembering his personal encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. (Acts 22:10) They were praising God because they had been rescued from their sins, filled by the Holy Spirit, and added to God's family. No jailer could take that away. That was worth being grateful for, no matter what else happened to them. Even if they were to be killed, it would only send them to heaven. So why should they fear? That's some awesome faith, isn't it?
5) Get Rhythm.
When I feel a case of the gloomies descending, that is not the time to play melancholy music. Positive upbeat tunes are in order -- the sort of music you might hear at a parade or a circus. Music gets your toes tapping and your blood flowing. It makes you want to sing. Singing and dancing sends a message to your brain that you're happy. Your brain is an actualizer. Whatever it "thinks" is true, it works to bring about. This is why positive thinking works. You tell yourself, "I'm happy" often enough and your brain accepts it as fact. It actualizes that truth, making it happen. I've found that when depression takes hold of me, I tend to ruminate on negative thoughts. Listening to good, Christian music with positive lyrics helps to pour good things into my brain and crowd those negative things out. There's a list of good things to ponder in the fourth chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippian church. It says to think about whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, noble, right, or admirable. Philippians 4:8 says, "If anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." Christian music helps me accomplish this.
6) Get Busy
We all need to feel like we're involved in something significant. We need to participate in something outside ourselves. You might consider volunteering at a local women's shelter or food pantry. I've enjoyed both and discovered that when I stay busy helping others and concentrating on their problems, I get a break from focusing on my own troubles. This is how HUGS and HOPE began. It started with a small effort to make a difference for one family and it grew. I've learned that joy boomerangs. When you give it away, it comes back to you. Helping others gives you the heart-warming satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference in the world. That will elevate your mood as well as your self esteem.
7) Get Physical
This is two-fold. Physical exercise is good for us, but physical contact is equally important. Our bodies need to move to be healthy, and going for a walk is the easiest exercise for me to do when I'm depressed. It doesn't require as much energy and motivation as other activities. Breathing the fresh air and looking at the beauty of nature can be helpful, and taking my dog along is even better. Just watching his ears flop as he bounces down the road in front of me often brings a smile to my face.
Exercise affects brain chemicals, and the healing touch of physical closeness does too. If you're depressed, hug somebody - anybody, everybody! A hug is good medicine. It reduces stress and tension and it boosts your immunity to illness. Hugs raise self esteem and lower blood pressure. They feel good and make people happy. And they're free! Hugs are the universal language that communicates love and acceptance. They're healthy for the "hugger" as well as the "hugee."
8) Get Quiet
I need to lean heavily on God's word and spend time with Him. When I pray, I talk things over with God. When I read the Bible and meditate on it, I hear Him speak to me and I contemplate what He says. I've found this to be one of the best anti-depressants there is. However, I need to add a word of caution here. Too much solitude can worsen depression. Isolating yourself and avoiding people can make depression grow. Don't use meditation time as an excuse to avoid human contact. Time with God is of the utmost importance, but balance between quiet time alone and time spent with others is essential.
9) Get Forgiveness – And Give it Too!
I've read that many psychiatrists agree that depression is guilt or anger turned inward. David is an example of someone whose guilt led to depression. After committing adultery, he wrote, "When I kept wanker, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer." (Psalm 32:3-4)
Sin makes you feel bad, but when you receive God's forgiveness, your guilt is removed; and often depression is removed too.
Depression can sometimes be caused from the need to forgive someone else or yourself (whomever is making you angry). Grudges cause feelings of frustration, which aggravate the hopeless feelings of depression. When we forgive, we let go of past hurts and give up bitterness. Then depression has no negativity on which to feed. If you free yourself from feelings of hate and open yourself up to feelings of love, you may feel as if the depression is physically lifting off your shoulders.
My friend Nance went through a difficult divorce, which left her bitter about the past, anxious about the future, and miserable in general. She harbored a lot of grudges and guilt, and she worried constantly. She felt the need to control everything in her life, yet she knew she couldn't. After attending a women's retreat, Nance realized what her negativity was doing to her.She released her worries, fears, anger, and resentments at the foot of the cross. Then she felt a renewal in her heart. She was happy and at peace.
When she was dying, Nance told me that the most difficult thing she'd ever had to do was forgive – both her ex-husband and herself -- for past mistakes. She said forgiving was even harder than dying!
Forgiveness isn't a simple one time event. It's a process that often takes time (sometimes years), but it's an important step to healing.
Jesus taught forgiveness when he said we'd be forgiven in the same way we forgive others, and when he told Peter we should forgive, not seven times, but seventy times seven. Of course, Jesus also lived forgiveness. While hanging on the cross, he looked at his torturers and said, "Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)
10) Get Thankful. When I'm depressed, I need to make a conscious effort to count my blessings. An attitude of hopelessness and discontent has a hard time competing with an attitude of gratitude. 1 Thessalonians 5:28 says, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." It's important to remember that depression is not fatal and it doesn't last forever. You WILL survive! Remind yourself that this cloud of despair will pass eventually. It may seem like there's no light at the end of the tunnel, but trust that there is; and be thankful for that, as you wait for the light to appear.
So, while kisses from your husband (or a psychiatrist) may be great, they can't cure depression. But along with medication and the proper treatment, now you have some practical steps you can take for your own well being. There are times when one of these strategies may be more helpful than the rest. Other times, it may seem that none of them makes a huge difference. But I keep practicing all of them anyway, because I know they are steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Following them on a regular basis may not eliminate depression forever, but they help me to minimize their severity.
These tips can be helpful for people who are not depressed too. They can be useful for anyone who is a little discouraged, a little blue, or needs to refocus on more positive things in life.
I hope that by trying these ideas you may find yourself on the way to experiencing more joy.
******************
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Post by Mary on Dec 22, 2006 17:09:41 GMT -5
The Anxiety Depression ConnectionDepression is normally thought of as a low energy state of being and is often times linked with a partner in crime known as... anxiety. Depending on the individual case at hand, depressed individuals, over time may develop feelings of helplessness about being depressed all of the time; so they end up suffering from feelings of anxiety. And then... other times it is the anxiety that arrives first. Over time the anxiety begins to develop into depression. This occurs because the individual begins to feel as though they are trapped into these anxious feelings with no way to escape. As a general rule of thumb however, depression and anxiety disorders are two completely separate entities. Often times, the two can become confused due to the similarities in the way the two are treated. A lot of times people suffering from the two disorders are prescribe the same anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. A recent University study found that 85% of all major depression cases, excluding bipolar disorder, are partnered up with symptoms of mild to acute anxiety. For the most part, the anxiety portion of combination symptoms comes as a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder. They also found that 35% of this group had symptoms of panic disorder. Anxiety and depression have been partnering up so often that they are considered to be the "linked twins" as far as the big mood disorders go. And sadly, when depression and anxiety combine forces they are often more powerful and harder to control. A large number of people that suffer from the two disorders often claim that it is the anxiety that is the toughest... most lingering part of their ailment. Ryan Puusaari is the creator of the website => www.conquerdepression.net ...Check out our collection of Depression Conquering articles now.
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Post by Dean Robinson on Dec 22, 2006 17:22:16 GMT -5
thats me to a tee panic and depression and it gets worse in the winter and around Christmas
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Post by Mary Celeste on Dec 22, 2006 21:59:42 GMT -5
Sad light therapy, you can get them cheap now. Or try to spend as much time outside on sunny days as possible, unfortunatly if you have 5-10 days in a row little or no sun being outside isn't much help. There are varying degrees of SAD disorder, some are severe others moderate. If you got spare cash winter vacation elsewhere if not spring can be very far off.
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Post by mary on Feb 1, 2007 21:44:24 GMT -5
January 24, 2007, 6:01 PM CT Getting Sad Is More Than Having The Blues
While a number of people think that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) amounts to feeling gloomy in the winter, a University of Rochester research review emphasizes that SAD is actually a subtype of major depression and should be treated as such.
Lead author Stephen Lurie, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor of Family Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center, also noted that SAD is sometimes missed in the typical doctor's office setting.
"Like major depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder probably is under-diagnosed in primary care offices," Lurie said. "But with personalized and detailed attention to symptoms, most patients can be helped a great deal".
New, preliminary studies link SAD to alcoholism or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, not all people with SAD will have ADHD, as per the review article for the American Academy of Family Physicians.
"The important message here is that if you are a patient who has been diagnosed with a mental illness of any kind, don't just assume that any new mental or emotional problem is due to that illness," Lurie said. "Specifically, if you have ADHD and you feel worse in the winter, don't just assume it's your ADHD getting worse. It could actually be SAD - and you should see your doctor because ADHD and SAD are treated entirely differently".........
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Post by visitzkidz on Aug 1, 2007 0:32:00 GMT -5
As I sit here waiting for my hair dye to vocer the grey, I KNOW that my anxiety and panic disorders have caused marked depression in me.
It's great when the panic is under control, because then I'm not depressed.
Last week I was about to be on another antidepressant along with the one I'm already on and my tranquillizer.
Over the weekend, I thought it over and called the doctor's office stating I'd rather increase my tranzuillizer over using yet another constipating antidepressant. While I wait for word back, I'm actually coping by using deep breaths and letting my muscles go.
That's hard to do at a bus stop or insode a big store, but I try to block out some of the "What if?" thoughts, and go about my tasks.
When the children arrived at my place with their father not supervisig them tonight upon his own decision, it really got me out of the nervous thinking mode! I wanted him to know I was concerned about the really old supervised accesss oral order from CAS, and he said, "Forget them! The kids want to see you!" Now he's getting educated, as well. He knows they're my life. (The children, not the CAS. LOL.)
When I become really much better, I'm going to be making things for the house and my kids again, and advocating only more strongly to get the CAS in tow!
Good night, and God bless you all.
Viz (not a Troll or board monopolizer as I was accused.).)
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Post by Biz not logged on Aug 1, 2007 7:28:35 GMT -5
Depression is all in the mind right? When I feel not so happy.. I just start up Ureal tournament play online and kill everything that moves. Usally after a few hours of online gaming I forget what it was that was making me sad... I am to Bizzi watching people complain about how much I kill them and how they think I am cheating... Depression is all in the mind right? I was diagnosed by some head shrinker when I was 10 saying I was chronologically depressed . What a dipshit. That guy couldn't find his ass with both hands. I was chronologically in foster care, not depressed. You have to find the things that make you happy and fill your life with it... everyone is depressed. This is a depressing world we live in.
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