If your mood, energy level and motivation decline in November, but bounce back to normal in April, you may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), one expert says.
“SAD is thought to be related to a chemical imbalance in the brain brought on by lack of light due to winter’s shorter days and typically overcast skies,” says Dr. Angelos Halaris, chief of the psychiatry and behavioral sciences department at Loyola University Health System.
As many as 10 percent to 20 percent of Americans may experience a mild form of SAD according to the American Psychiatric Association. Certain people may have a genetic vulnerability to developing the condition, which affects more women than men and tends to start appearing in the teen years. “This condition, characterized by depression, exhaustion and lack of interest in people and regular activities, interferes with a person’s outlook on life and ability to function properly,” Halaris said. You can take steps to reduce the risk of developing SAD.
“If at all possible, get outside during the winter, even if it is overcast. Expose your eyes to natural light for one hour each day. At home, open the drapes and blinds to let in natural light,” Halaris recommended. If you do develop SAD, it can be effectively treated with light therapy, antidepressant medication and/or psychotherapy. The latest treatment is a headband containing mounted lights that delivers light to your retina whether you are inside or outdoors,” Halaris said. The above information is copied from HealthDay News on Monday, October 8, 2007.
Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – Traditional Chinese Medicine can relieve simple anxiety and also help in combination with medical care.
1. Chinese Meridians Massage: to calm mind, relax tension so as to reduce the stress and feel much more relaxed.
2. Acupuncture: to comfort mind, improve blood circulation, promote energy flow and make mental re-balance and therefore control the depression and relieve the sadness.
3. Breathing meditation: using Chi Gong breathing exercise to re-focus attention, get rid of the negative thinking, build up positive thoughts and feel happier.
4. Herbs: Calm mind, stabilize nerves, help digestion, normalize nutrients, balance metabolism, improve sleep and reduce depression symptoms.
For more information please call Dr. Liyan Lu at 661-513-9265, Ping’s Acupuncture and Herbs Center.