Every December holiday it seems that Aunt Ethel cries and isolates herself from the family festivities. She just doesn’t seem to be able to get into things like she use to. Truthfully, even then she was moody and irritable the entire season. It’s enough to baffle anyone.
If you have some of these same feelings about a loved one it could be a familiar malady. What we call SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD, which is also termed SPS: Seasonal Pattern Specifier, is a major depressive condition that manifests itself in the fall of the year and extends through the winter months while seemingly going into remission or disappearing during the spring, only to return in the fall. Some sufferers have an occasional summer episode. Usually, this symptomatic pattern can be pinpointed if observed over successive years.
The very noticeable symptoms ARE all facets of depression including but not limited to lack of energy, excessive sleeping, overeating, a craving for carbohydrates and weight gain. The incidence of the disease occurs higher in women than men and younger people are at higher risk than the elderly. It has also been noticed that the incidence increases with higher altitudes and climates with shorter daylight hours. In any climate, a lack of sunshine and the presence of snow and cloudy days tend to increase the symptoms of the condition.
Scientist believe that the cause of this malady is an increase in the hormone melatonin that is secreted by the pineal gland and responsible for body life cycles, including the sleep-wakefulness cycle and our circadian rhythm. Melatonin is produced during dark hours while the production is suppressed by light, especially sunlight. An excessive amount of this hormone affects some people with the lethargy and drowsiness that is characteristic of this abnormality while it causes a delayed circadian rhythm in some- yielding the same end result.
Even though these are only theories, the linking treatments have produced favorable success. Drugs that suppress melatonin production have been used with notable results. In addition, “Light Therapy,” exposing the person to light during the morning hours, especially during those winter months, have produced remarkable success and it is an easy answer for any concerned family members or loved ones to aid in.
These simple hints can dramatically change the atmosphere of your holidays for those affected and those who share this time with them. Some have even gone into years of remission at a time after implementing these simple measures.
If you or a loved one are faced with these dismal challenges, first of all, always consult your physician and seek permission to employ prescribed procedures as well as mention some here.
THERE IS HOPE!!!
