NOTTINGHAM, MD, March 03, 2009
/24-7PressRelease/ -- With overcast skies and the snow falling across the Northeast, from as far south as Altanta, Georgia, up through The Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, all the way to Maine, many find themselves covered in a blanket of snow and depression. Winter months are prime time for Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD as it's commonly referred to. SAD is a mood disorder associated with depression and related to seasonal variations of light. During the winter months, the days become shorter, so we are exposed to less daylight. No big deal, right? Wrong! Here are some tips and valuable information from the National Institute of Mental Health to help defeat those "winter blues."
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.
-symptoms range from excessive weight gain and/or excessive eating and sleeping during the winter months
-symptoms occur only during winter, with no recurring episodes during spring and summer
-cravings for sugary or starchy foods
-seasonal episodes substantially outnumber non seasonal depressive episodes
"Basically, You want to be aware of the danger signs of depression, and provide support and hope to family, friends, and relatives." says Chris W James, Depression awareness expert and author of, "Music-Inside My Head and Out of My Mind."
" Depression, bipolar disorder, and SAD is characterized by profound sadness, hopelessness and/or despair. Every person experiences depression differently. Mood swings, lethargy, emotional distress, feelings of worthlessness, irritability. If someone you know just doesn't seem themselves pay attention and find out why." states James.
Treatment can include phototherapy, medication, lifestyle changes. Many options are available. Speak with your family doctor for more information.
James himself was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and used music, therapy and self motivation to get back on track and become a successful musician, author and public speaker. Visit http://www.musiccanheal.org for more information.
About MusicCanHeal.Org
Music Can Heal is a website dedicated to the healing power of music and community. Originally formed to combat the stigma of depression and related illness.
info@musiccanheal.org
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