Wednesday 8 May 2013

Winter depression - SAD

Hello - so great to see rain here in Perth.


However i know that many people feel 'Down', Moody, Flat or Anxious in the winter months.
For those people who feel this way - it is a very real symptom - called SAD - Seasonal Anxiety Disorder or Seasonal Affective Disorder. It is a mood disorder in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter or summer.
 i believe seasonal eating disorder are worse in winter because of this link with mood changes.

Last night i was teaching Health to a church men's group and the weather was very wintry (wet and windy etc). I asked the group who felt worse with their  moods during the winter months - the answer was  about 1/4 of the them. This was a large percentage and prompted me to write this blog. because  - Knowledge is the key, Hosea 4 .6. God states, “My children perish through lack of knowledge.”

With knowledge - YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT - DON'T JUST ACCEPT IT.
Many people are just putting up with this problem and you don't have to as its related to deficiencies and can be  helped.
The carbohydrate craving common in people with this disorder is thought to be caused by decreased levels of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin. Since tryptophan is a precursor of serotonin, taking in more of this amino acid may increase the body's production of serotonin and help you feel better.
Here is what i use to support this disorder (if you are on anti depressants - ask your Dr if you can use this in conjunction - or not). this is one supplement

  1. L-Tryptophan
  2. B's
  3. zinc. magnesium, calcium, folate & Vitamin C
* St. John’s wort is a great natural mood enhancer. This herb is used universally to fight off depression, help you sleep and reduce stress

* Physical exercise has shown to be an effective form of depression therapy, so don't stop just because its cold.

Every one should get checked for Vitamin D levels in their blood!

I was shocked to find i was vitamin D deficient a few years ago; as i like many others thought that living in Australia with many months of sun i would be creating plenty of it via my skin. However - Since then through my clinic i see a very large percentage of people who are low in this extremely important vitamin.

* Another explanation for SAD is that vitamin D levels are too low when people do not get enough Ultraviolet-B on their skin. So increase your exposure to light. Get as much natural light as possible between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Get outside and go for a walk, or at least sit by a window.


*Avoid  alcohol or caffeine. Caffeine may give you a brief lift, but it can also cause anxiety. Alcohol, on the other hand, is a depressant, which can further exacerbate your low mood.
Any herbal tea is a better choice than teas with caffeine. Chamomile, peppermint, and cinnamon are nice.

good health
Philip


This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.Whatever you do, be sure to seek guidance from a professional if the feelings of depression become overwhelming.