What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Some people suffer from symptoms of depression during the winter months, with symptoms subsiding during the spring and summer months. This may be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a mood disorder associated with depression episodes and related to seasonal variations of light.

SAD was first noted before 1845, but was not officially named until the early 1980[base ']s. As sunlight has affected the seasonal activities of animals (i.e., reproductive cycles and hibernation), SAD may be an effect of this seasonal light variation in humans. As seasons change, there is a shift in our [base "]biological internal clocks[per thou] or circadian rhythm, due partly to these changes in sunlight patterns. This can cause our biological clocks to be out of [base "]step[per thou] with our daily schedules. The most difficult months for SAD sufferers are January and February, and younger persons and women are at higher risk.

Symptoms Include: regularly occurring symptoms of depression (excessive eating and sleeping, weight gain) during the fall or winter months.

Full remission from depression occur in the spring and summer months. Seasonal episodes substantially outnumber nonseasonal depression episodes. A craving for sugary and/or starchy foods.

Possible Cause of this Disorder: Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, has been linked to SAD. This hormone, which may cause symptoms of depression, is produced at increased levels in the dark. Therefore, when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases.

Treatments: Phototherapy or bright light therapy has been shown to suppress the brain[base ']s secretion of melatonin. Although, there have been no research findings to definitely link this therapy with an antidepressant effect, many people respond to this treatment. The device most often used today is a bank of white fluorescent lights on a metal reflector and shield with a plastic screen. For mild symptoms, spending time outdoors during the day or arranging homes and workplaces to receive more sunlight may be helpful. One study found that an hour[base ']s walk in winter sunlight was as effective as two and a half hours under bright artificial light. If phototherapy doesn[base ']t work, an antidepressant drug may prove effective in reducing or eliminating SAD symptoms, but there may be unwanted side effects to consider. Discuss your symptoms thoroughly with your family doctor and/or mental health professional.

For More Information: Contact your local Mental Health Association, community mental health center, or:

National Mental Health Association 2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor Alexandria, VA 22311 Phone 703/684-7722 Fax 703/684-5968 Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA TTY Line 800/433-5959

Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythm P.O. Box 591687 174 Cook Street San Francisco, CA 94159-1687 www.websciences.org/sltbr

>home:chezmax.com >keywords: soul, spiritual, spirituality, exploration, holistic, healing, jung, lugano, switzerland, virtual, swisspresence, vrway, venue, exhibit >submit by: Massimo D'Onofrio [Max's log: the ultimate spiritual exploration linksite.]
10:16:40 PM    



John Lennon, Happy Christmas (War is over)

So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
Ans so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong
And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
And what have we done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
Ans so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
War is over over
If you want it
War is over
Now...

11:02:40 AM