Hello Forum Members,
As all of you are aware, the clocks are turned back an hour, the
days are getting progressively shorter, the intensity from the Sun
is getting gradually weaker, lacking the full spectrum of lights.
Generally speaking, this transitional period(Mid-Oct thru the End of Dec)
is not good for me and many others. Strength and Endurance levels decrease,
varying degree's of lethargy, hopelessness, an " I don't care or screw it attitude,
can lead to varying degree's of Depression and an " I don't care to argue attitude.
Back in 1994, I experienced a Major Depression, extreme crying spells, crying so
hard that my head would actually ache from it, this went on for 3 months,
landing me a trip to the Mental health Ward of an area Hospital. Some might
reason that an excessive amount Life's problems, mostly of the family related
type was the catalyst that lead to Major Depression and they would be certainly
right as to that being a factor.
However, 1993-1994(Winter) was the year in the Northeast where we had snow
followed by ice followed by snow on a weekly basis beginning in Early January
and ending in Early April. There were very few days of direct sunlight during that
time period as some of you might remember and it was very cold, too.
Of course through the direction of Orthodox Medicine, I followed the typical
protocol: Lithium(A Mood Stabilizer), Paxil(An Anti-Depressive) and Xanax( An
Anti Anxiety Medication) and the encouragement from the Medical Profession
to minimize unnecessary Stressors, an almost improbable task at best. So, after
walking around as a tired Zombie for almost a year(from the Medication), I
finally decided to bag this Medical approach.
None of the comments from the above paragraph is meant to offend Orthodox
Medicine, as I find it has value in different areas and for a variety of reasons.
Although, I do prefer Alternative Approaches to Mental and Emotional Well-Being.
And since my Emotional Wellness is at stake and it's affect on Loved ones, I
prefer the approach that's listed below.
A Full SPECTRUM OF LIGHT desk lamp that provides that full spectrum of lights
that the Sun would otherwise not provide during the Late Fall Winter Months. An
exposure of 15-30 minutes in the Morning and another 15-30 minutes at around
2:30 PM, after my nap and prior to going to work. Also the Supplement St. Johns
Wort, three times a day, at dosages of 500mg. Add to that the B-Complex, 50-100
mg's of all (Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pyrodoxine HCL, that's B-6, B-12,
Pantothenic Acid, Choline Inositol, Biotin, folic acid and PABA. Vitamin C aids
in the utilization of the B Vitamins. As some of you know, the B Vitamins help
with Stress and Energy levels. Obviously, if your tired, the stresses of life
bother you more and it's more difficult to cope with them.
The Physical affects the Pyschological and the Pyschological affects the Physical.
And all of this may affect the Spiritual. Increasing ones Calsium and Vitamin D
intake also helps the Central Nervous System and SAD sufferers.
Below is a Link that gives information on SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER.
Seasonal affective disorder - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Your comments are anticipated and greatly appreciated, even the Humorous
ones, LONGHORN AND MUSICMAN. Although, on a more serious note, this
condition for those who suffer from it, including myself, is no laughing matter.
Kind Regards, Samson.
Author
Topic: Seasonal Affective Disorder (Read 8138 times)