I was pulled aside yesterday by a support worker of one of my clients.

"Is having thoughts of impending doom and not being able to sleep  even if it is only for a few days depression?  

This was the first comment that alerted me that just like clockwork seasonal depression was starting again.  

This phenomenon has an acronym-SAD- Seasonal Affective Disorder and is a real thing.  I noticed it with my clients a few years ago and late September and  October are always  tough times for them.   The symptoms are classic depression ones.  Sleep problems, confused thinking, lack of interest in things you normally like, eating too much or not at all and being irritable. A feeling of impending doom and maybe even some catastrophic thinking. Of course, alcohol abuse and drug use are common remedies the less enlightened try that never work. 

The theory is that especially in the northern latitudes, the seasonal changes of less light, temperature change, and  barometer changes causes serotonin production problems.  This disorder is more common in women and is of special concern for those suffering from mental illness, as serotonin problems are already evident with them.  Most of my crisis times with clients come with the time change that is coming up.  But it can affect anyone.  Watch for it.  If you recognize the signs and symptoms then you may have to make yourself take action.  This is tough as depressed people are reluctant to take action.  
Here are some simple things to try.

• Start a walking program immediately.  

• Make yourself get out and get some light on your face every day.
  

• Start drinking more water

• take some B-vitamins.

• Go to a tanning bed or check out light therapy

• Watch your diet closely and caffeine and nicotine intake

• Talk with people about what you are feeling-you will be amazed at how many will be experiencing the same thing

• Watch out for choosing social isolation over interactions-this is a common choice and can lead to multiple thinking errors, and more depressive times.

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• Keep a journal a few times a week

• Become more aware of how you are feeling.  Have you been in a pissy mood for several days now,? Are you thinking in exaggerated negative ways.?  

• Remember this isn't just a mental condition-it has a physiological component.

• Consider taking a melatonin supplement-it works for many who have sleep problems. You don't need a large dose of this 3mg is enough.  Studies have found anything over 20mg can be counterproductive.
  
  
  
  Light therapy is effective in 65% of the cases.

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  Now, for those of you with mentally ill family members or friends be on alert.  Bi-polar  manic/ depressive episodes, times of confusion with schizophrenics, lack of basic hygiene with those already with depression, are all common things to watch for and you may need to intervene.  Take them for a walk, even if they don't want to go, talk to them about SAD, make certain they are eating, call them, send them a card in the mail for the heck of it, pump positive energy into their life.  It will make a difference.  This is a time of danger for mentally ill loved ones and I don't say that lightly.  If you are experiencing this common disorder in some way, times it by 10 and you will be close in what they may be experiencing. For those of you with elderly parents or grandparents in a nursing home or at home alone get them outside and let them get some light on their face. All forms of depression are common with the elderly so make a vow to spend time with them this fall.  

In short, this is the time of year, especially after we turn the clocks back in a few weeks to watch yourself and monitor your loved ones. Learn more about this:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/

http://www.howellmichiganchiropractor.com/newsletter-march-1-2010.php

http://cme.medscape.com/viewarticle/508141_4

NOTE:  I am not a doctor.  I only play one on Open Salon.

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