Tuesday, April 19, 2011

'Tis The Season Not To Be Jolly


During the months associated with November to Feb, the days start getting smaller and colder, and the nights longer and darker. Climate changes seem to affect many people and they just can't understand why they tend to feel dismal and miserable. This mood disorder is called winter depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).



According to Norman E. Rosenthal, the doctor who created the term SAD back in 1984, winter depression includes a sound medical basis that involves changes in the body's mood centers due to shorter daylight hours along with a lack of sunlight. Most depressive illness sufferers experience a sense of utter isolation as well as loneliness. But the fact that many people go through the same grumpiness during this time of the year provides a sense of comfort and assurance that they are not by yourself. As the clich锟斤拷 goes "misery loves company."



Based on statistics of SAD Association, 500,000 people in the United Kingdom encounter some form of winter depressive disorders, while doctors possess estimated that 20% from the population, or almost 2 million people, may take a hit in Sweden by this situation.



One of the most effective as well as clinically proven treatment for SAD is "light therapy", which has been shown to benefit some 80-85 % of SAD instances. Simple as it may sound, the treatment actually involves not only turning on a light as well as sitting beside this while twiddling your thumbs as you wait for that renewed energy to "power up" your whole well-being.



The average domestic or office light produces a paltry 200-500 lux (the lux is a unit associated with illuminance,) whereas a minimum of Two,500 lux is required to alleviate the symptoms of Unfortunate. In comparison, a clear summer's day can reach an intensity of 100,000 lux.



Based on these specs, a number of specially designed gentle boxes have been invented that emit precisely the right amount of lighting. Symptoms of SAD progressively subside by sitting before one for about 30 minutes to several hours, with respect to the severity of the condition.



Light box therapy may be the best treatment for SAD as far as signs and symptoms are concerned. However, addressing the root causes of the problem may involve both anti-depressant drugs and psychotherapy treatments especially for individuals with severe symptoms.



Studies have shown that the incidence of SAD increases dramatically as you go 30 degrees of latitude further north or even south, as the situation is virtually uncommon in the tropical nations. A movement or vacation trip to these countries in the equator may sound not practical but can definitely improve ones mood and well-being.



Watching movies which include warm, sunny, summer time climates show demonstrable improvements in mood. Research shows that any movie with clear azure cloudless skies, palm trees as well as an absence of snow should qualify for a movie treatment.



The same mood-enhancing effect may result by simply watching outdoor sports such as cricket or golf. Nevertheless, over-exposure to snooker, darts, and interior bowling has been found to bring on a state of depressive, trance-like catatonia that, in severe cases, culminates in complete mental health break down.



Article Source: articlemotron . com


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