All Ages Special Feature

Chemical Balance

According to the latest figures, ¼ million people in Britain suffer from a clinical condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This condition can affect anyone, including children, although some are more vulnerable than others. The reason for this, apart from genetic factors, lies in the brain’s ability to handle the changes that it has to make during the winter months.

The lack of bright light affects two substances in the brain, melatonin and serotonin. Where light suppresses melatonin, a chemical that induces the feeling of sleepiness, serotonin thrives on bright light and darkness lowers the levels, which often leads to symptoms of depression. Often, these is a direct relationship between melatonin and serotonin, where higher levels of melatonin are associated with decreased amounts of serotonin. SAD was only discovered relatively recently.

In the 1970’s, a researcher Herb Kern noticed that he felt completely different within himself during the summer and winter months. He was bright, cheerful and productive in his work during the spring and summer, but as autumn approached he found that he became increasingly lethargic and unhappy. He grouped together with some scientists to try light as a therapy for his symptoms and by 1982 Norman Rosenthal and his team published a description of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Are You Depressed?......

Symptoms and Treatment - Although there are many symptoms associated with SAD, depression is the main indication that you may be suffering from SAD, especially if you are only affected between the months of September and April. As the underlying cause of SAD is a lack of light, it makes good sense to increase the amount of light you receive. Apart from leaving the country for warmer climes, this is easily achieved by using a light box, of which there are many available. But, in addition to using light as a treatment, there are many other methods that will help prevent and decrease the severity of your symptoms.

Depression - One of the most potent herbs for helping the symptoms of depression is Hypericum or St John’s Wort. Due to its effectiveness, this herb has received much media attention recently, and some studies have shown that in its own right St John’s Wort can improve depressive symptoms of SAD, even when light therapy is not used. It works by affecting the levels of serotonin and by raising them, the symptoms of depression are alleviated.

Sleep Problems - Although the majority of people do not feel as vitalised on a dark Winter morning as they do during the bright summer months, SAD sufferers have great trouble rising from bed in the morning. Not only is oversleeping common, but drowsiness throughout most of the day results in the need to nap in the afternoon. It is wise to avoid napping and instead try to force yourself out of bed in the mornings, so that you can take a walk, especially on bright mornings. Exercise releases the body’s ‘feel good’ chemicals (endorphins) so you may start to feel better mentally, and physically it can only be beneficial. Remember to avoid wearing sunglasses as it is the amount of light that reaches the eyes that helps the condition.

Overeating - Sugar cravings are a common symptom of SAD, so you must try to get into the habit of eating sustaining foods such as complex carbohydrates which include pasta, bread, potatoes and rice. Although sugary foods like cakes, biscuits and sweets will initially make you feel energetic, it will be short-lived as a hormone insulin will soon be released to clear the sugars from the blood, leaving you feeling even more washed out than before.

Recurrent Illness - Unfortunately, people affected by SAD tend to suffer from colds and ‘flu as their immune systems tend to be weaker. There are many ways to boost your immune system, but one of the best preventative methods lies in the herb Echinacea. This herb has proven itself in many studies, world-wide, for its effectiveness in boosting a weak immune system. Try taking a small dose of Echinaforce daily, before symptoms set in to prepare your immune system for the winter months. Increase the dose if you do become affected by a cough or cold. Try to include a least five portions of fruit and vegetables in your daily diet as the vitamins and minerals contained in these will also help to boost a flagging immune system. Certain vitamins such as vitamin A, B6 and C are especially important, and try using zinc lozenges if you are affected by a cold.

Mental Health - Due to the depression and lethargy associated with SAD, it is inevitable that your mental health will be affected. The general loss of libido, feeling too tired to cope with anything, along with the despair, irritability, misery, guilt and anxiety causes many problems between family and friends. It is important that those around you offer support and understanding to prevent these symptoms from becoming even greater. Many people opt for counselling, not only for the person affected by SAD but also for the people around them to help cope with everyday life.