Did you ever think that lack of sunlight in the winter months can make your grouchy or feel blue? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a condition in which persons experience depression as a result of seasonal variations in sunlight. It is sometimes referred to as winter depression. A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, the mood, and the thoughts. It affects the manner in which one eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things.
Symptoms of Depression
The following are some symptoms of depression:
- persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood;
- feelings of hopelessness and pessimism;
- feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness;
- loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex;
- decreased energy and fatigue;
- difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions;
- insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping;
- appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain;
- thoughts of death or suicide and/or suicide attempts;
- restlessness and irritability; and
- persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.
I used to think that everything bad would happen to me between November to February, because those were the months when the sun did not shine in my state of Nevada, and I stayed inside. I did not exercise, I was cooped up without sunshine-I had a SAD disorder.
It can be pretty unbearable, but as far as disorders go, there are some easy remedies that can help immediately. Even when it is cold and snowy, go outside for a minimum of 15 minutes a day. Sit by a window with southern exposure when it is gloomy, you will still pick up sunshine.
It may be difficult to sleep during the winter months. Your body is used to daylight, and nighttime; not dark all the time. Supplements such as melatonin and tryptophan are very helpful for many people, I take them in the winter for good sleep.
So how does hypnotism fit into this regime? It can help motivate you to GO OUTSIDE AND MOVE! There is another reason to use hypnotherapy with SAD; depression can be devestating, It is important to convience the mind that your winter blues do not have to depress you. You are in control, you can take supplements, get exercise, soak up sunshine for a few minutes a day. Hypnotherapy works as your coach, motivating you to go to work, take care of yourself, keep up a routine and get out of your winter rut.
You will get pretty creative on what you can do in the winter to soak up sunshine. I have a secret weapon that I will share with you in the next blog. It is the story of an amazing woman Lynne, the water areobics instructor who has taught this class at a nearby spar for over 20 years! She does not care if it is freezing, snowing, raining-you better show up and NO WHINING! Read about the class and how men and women stay in good shape and happy year around. See you tomorrow.
Here's to your mental and physical health.
Doc Judie 775 782-3889 judie@docjudie.com
