Here Comes the Sun

If you live in the Midwest or other geographic areas that experience low natural sunlight this time of year, you may be experiencing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. It usually strikes during autumn and often continues through the winter when natural light is reduced. Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD can present with low to high levels of depressed mood, appetite and sleep changes, general feelings of malaise and sadness, low energy, low motivation, difficulty concentrating and even thoughts of suicide. Not all people in low light areas experience SAD; others experience significant symptoms that interfere with their day-to-day functioning.

Effective ways of managing low-light mood symptoms can range from visits to the tanning salon to seeking counseling and medication treatment. A possible alternative to resorting to prescribed medications may involve Light Therapy. This form of therapy consists of spending blocks of time bathed in light from a special full-spectrum light source, called a light box. Individuals can purchase their own light boxes or some counseling centers offer Light Therapy as part of their services. Light Box

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is intentionally paying attention to the present moment while putting aside our preconceived ideas, expectations, and judgments. It is being in connection with the here and now. Over the past 30 years there has been a buildup of evidence-based research using mindfulness practice to work with difficult medical and mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, addiction, insomnia, chronic pain, immune function, cancer, trauma, and more. Check this out: Mindfulness Blog by Dr. Goldstein: "The practice of mindfulness teaches us a different way to relate to our thoughts, feelings, and emotions as they arise. It is about learning to approach and acknowledge whatever is happening in the present moment, setting aside our lenses of judgment and just being with whatever is there, rather than avoiding it or needing to fix it. It’s the mind’s attempt to avoid and fix things in this moment that fuels the negative mood. So, if sadness is there, instead of...
Read more

The Stigma of Mental Illness

Image
Many people suffering from mental illness feel that society does not want them or understand them. As mental health professionals, we are here to educate families and society about mental illess. At some point in our lives most people are touched by mental illness with a family member, friend or even ourselves. May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Spread the news of healing and support for those suffering from mental illness.
Read more