Life Coach Series: Seasonal Affective Disorder

[Guest guest]

Good Morning!

 

This week I will be discussing topics in regards to coping with life,

alternative ways of thinking for better health and the power of our

belief systems in healing!

 

The Life Coach Series: Seasonal Affective Disorder

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression. Most

people tend to slow down a little in the winter and experience some

form of " winter blues " , but full-blown SAD can be extremely

disabling.

 

SAD is often the result of the winter season when the days are

shorter. People tend to sleep more, become sedentary, crave

carbohydrates, gain weight, and avoid social interaction.

Psychologically, they are depressed.

 

Attaining a balance of yin-yang or light and dark is innate in the

and Feng Shui philosophies. Although we cannot see

the electromagnetic frequencies of the earth or planets, it is

important for us to live in an environment that allows us to be

synchronized with these forces.

 

Many sufferers are often unable to function without continuous

treatment. Depending on the person and the geographical location, the

depression can last for several months with symptoms such as

overeating with carbohydrate craving and weight gain, sleeping more

than usual, fatigue, and social withdrawal. It is the long duration

of the symptoms that distinguish SAD from the so-called holiday

blues.

 

It is not known why some people (those between 18 and 30) are more

likely to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder and why it seems to

affect women more than men ... unless the statistics are based on the

fact that women are more ready to admit to depression and ask for

help than men.

 

There are several alternative therapies for treating seasonal

depression. One, which has been used with remarkable success is Light

Therapy. Light and color have been valued throughout history as

sources of healing. Today, the therapeutic applications of light and

color are being investigated in major hospitals and research centers

worldwide. Results indicate that full-spectrum, ultraviolet, colored,

and laser light can have therapeutic value for a range of conditions

from chronic pain and depression to immune disorders.

 

The oldest form of light therapy is natural sunlight, which is the

ultimate source of full-spectrum light. For those living in areas

that see very little sunlight this time of year, there are other

options; full-spectrum light therapy, bright light therapy, various

forms of UV light therapy, syntonic optometry, cold laser therapy,

and visual color therapy.

 

For treating SAD, white light therapy is often preferred over the

full-spectrum light because the additional UV light found in full-

spectrum light is not necessary to achieve the antidepressant effect

of the therapy, and can be harmful to the eyes. Different wavelengths

stimulate different aspects of our physiology, all playing a vital

role in our functioning. We especially need natural light with its

subtle variations that act on our well-being. The rhythm of dark and

light from day and night and the full-spectrum of light is essential

to our circadian rhythms (biological clock), endocrine, immune,

sexual and nervous systems.

 

Depression may be the result of inadequate or improper nourishment.

If the brain is not receiving sufficient fuel, it will not function

properly.

 

Vitamin B deficiency is often a physical cause of depression.

 

The best approach to combating depression is to eat more wholefoods,

give up sugar, tea, coffee, alcohol.

 

L-Tyrosine is essential for alleviating stress by boosting production

of adrenaline. It also raises dopamine levels which influence moods.

(Do not take if you are taking an MAO inhibitor drug.) It should be

taken on an empty stomach with 50 mgs Vitamin B6 and 100-500 mgs of

Vitamin C for better absorption. Best taken at bedtime.

 

5HTP is often used in the place of SSRI drugs and L-Tryptophan and

may help in serotonin deficiency related conditions such as severe

depression, epilepsy, anxiety, insomnia, weight loss and addiction.

Also studied for PMS, migraine and chronic tension headaches. 5-HTP

is only used in serotonin production. 5- hydroxytryptophan is also

able to pass through the blood-brain barrier easily, unlike

tryptophan, which can only pass through the barrier by using the same

transport molecule that carries leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

 

Increase your intake of vitamin B complex, 100 mgs 3 times daily Plus

extra Vitamin B 5, 500 mgs daily, the most potent anti-stress

vitamin.

 

Vitamin C, 2,000-6,000 mgs daily in divided doses.

 

Increasing your Potassium 80 mgs, Calcium 1,500-2,000 mgs daily with

Magnesium, up to 1,000 mgs daily (in divided doses -a.m. and p.m.) is helpful.

 

Low doses of Melatonin seem to help many people by regulating balance

in the body. Try using half the recommended dose for the first 3-4

days and monitor your results.

 

Meditating. Quieting your mind for 10-15 minutes is a wonderful

release.

 

Aromatherapy is very effective. Jasmine and Bergamot oils are

uplifting and refreshing, while lavender is calming and relaxing. Put

a little on your wrists, or a piece of cloth you can carry with you.

In a pan of hot water drop about 6-8 drops of oil to diffuse it into

the air, or perhaps you have your own diffuser.

 

I always like to stress one other factor, which plays a major role in

our mind-body connection. That is our belief system. It often is what

you believe it to be. Your Belief System is an important part in

healing.

 

Allow your self, change, time off, a different path. Seek what is at the root of

your dis-ease or comfort level. Address it.

Believe that you can do that.

 

EXERCISE

 

MOVE!!!! Exercise also plays a MAJOR role in the treatment of

depression.

 

Exercise is very helpful in depression because it stimulates

circulation and releases serotonins in the brain, the hormones that

encourage contentment and an all around feeling of happiness.

 

It not only keep the body physically and mentally fit but also

provides recreation and mental relaxation. It is nature's best

tranquilizer. Exercise produces chemical and psychological changes

that improves your mental health. It changes the levels of hormones

in blood and may elevate your beta-endorphins (mood-affecting brain

chemicals). Exercise may also improve the function of the autonomic

nervous system.

 

Exercise also gives a feeling of accomplishment and thus reduces the

sense of helplessness. Some form of active exercise, must be

undertaken each day at a regular hour. To be really useful, exercise

should be done in such a manner as to bring into action all the

muscles of the body in a natural way. Walking is one such exercise.

It is , however, so gentle that one must walk several miles in a

brisk manner to constitute a fair amount of exercise. Aerobics (low

impact) is even better, for it increases cardiovascular health and

wipes out the focus of depression and makes you feel wonderful! 3-5

days a week at 30 -40 minutes should be your goal. The depressive

mood can be OVERCOME by activity. Those who are depressive will

forget their misery by doing something. They should turn away from

themselves and consider others. At home they can take to decorating,

repairing or constructing something new. The pleasure of achievement

overcomes the distress of misery. Stop making excuses!

 

NUTRITION

 

Water is essential in any healing process. Distilled water is the

best. 6-8 eight ounces glasses per day.

 

Diet has a " profound effect " on the mental health of a person. Even a

single nutritional deficiency can cause depression in susceptible

people. Nutritional therapy can be used to build up brain chemicals,

such as serotonin and norepinephrine, that affect mood and are often

lacking in depressed people. Eat foods rich in B vitamins, such as

whole grains, green vegetables, eggs and fish.

 

The diet of people suffering from depression should completely

exclude tea, coffee, alcohol, chocolate and cola, all white flour

products,sugar, food colorings, chemical additives, white rice and

strong condiments.

 

The diet should be restricted to three meals. Fruits can be taken in

the morning for breakfast with milk and a handful of nuts and seeds.

Lunch may consist of steamed vegetables, whole wheat bread and a

glass of butter-milk. For dinner, green vegetable salad and all

available sprouts such as alfalfa seeds, cottage cheese or a glass of

butter-milk would be ideal. This is one example. Do what is right for

you! DO NOT over eat.

 

CRYSTAL THERAPY

 

Crystal Therapy is a wonderful adjunct therapy for Seasonal Affective

Disorders. Placing a crystal in your bedroom, kitchen, living room or

work place is beneficial. Also, carrying the crystal in your pocket

or handbag, or worn as jewelry often offers subtle but very effective

results. Meditating with the crystal in the palm of your hands or

sitting in front of you is another use for crystals with this

disorder. A refreshing bath with the crystal in your bath water or

placing the crystal on the appropriate Chakra region (often the Heart

or Solar Plexus Chakra) can be very beneficial. Meditating, Chakra

work and Hydrotherapy with crystals should utilize about 20 minutes

(or more if it 'feels appropriate') of your time in order to reap the

benefits.

 

Besides the excellent healing power of Quartz, clinical results have

been found with the following:

 

Gold:

 

Excellent all-purpose, high level gem amplifier and electrical

conductor, especially on Solar plexus and Heart Chakra. Strengthens

meridians, nerve system, digestion. Positively charged with warming

sun energy. Often worn by teachers/healers, especially after much

self-healing (addictions, childhood...) Attracts prosperity, stores,

amplifies thoughts/emotions/energy (Greed too). Yang. Pink = Gold +

copper. Lovingness, warmth, spirituality. Amplifies gem effects.

White: Combines sun and moon's energy, thus higher conductor and

amplifier. A regenerator, helping one renew oneself. Works on the

physical, mental, and spiritual planes. It benefits the nervous

system and improves the ability of the nerves to transmit information

in the most efficient manner. Helps digestion and helps the body in

the proper assimilation of food. Benefits the circulatory system and

blood. Helps control hormonal and chemical imbalances. Can be of

great importance to individuals with degenerative diseases, such as

heart disease or arthritis. Helps the brain work more efficiently. It

works well with all crystals and gemstones. Can be used in

conjunction with Copper and Silver, which aid in boosting its

abilities in specific instances. Gold settings: Gold is ruled by the

Sun a masculine planet, and therefore imparts a more assertive energy

to crystals & minerals that are mounted in it.

 

Jet:

 

A fossilized organic matter used as a healing stone. A form of

petrified wood similar to coal, though much harder. Has absorbing

qualities. Helps draw out negative energy. Especially useful for

people who have unreasonable fears that limit their lives. Helps

control mood swings and fights deep depression. Recommended for

stimulating psychic experience and guiding one in the quest for

spiritual enlightenment. If worn, it should be set in silver.

 

Lapis Lazuli:

 

Solid, med. to dk. blue. In meditation, opens Brow Chakra: higher

guidance, intuition, connection to higher self, overview, decisions

for good of all. Organizes, quiets mind. Opens Throat/Thyroid Chakra:

Self-expression, writing, creativity, dream insight, allows total

awareness...Anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, autism, shyness, nervous

system, depression, serenity, self-acceptance; MS, speech, hearing,

pituitary, DNA, lymph, inflammation, pain (especially head),

protection stone. Shelters the wearer like a shield. .

Extraordinarily deep blue stone often flecked with Pyrite. Can also

be mottled with white Calcite. Most is currently mined in the USSR

and Afghanistan. Beneficial to the respiratory system, especially the

throat and lungs, the cleansing organs, and the nervous system. A

good stone for blood purification and for boosting the immune system.

A powerful thought-amplifier and is helpful in aligning all the

elements of the body and mind. Can increase psychic abilities and

will open the third eye. Can guide you in teh direction of mental and

spiritual purity. It should be worn as close to the throat as

possible or at least above the diaphragm so that the energy of the

wearer is drawn upward.

 

Moonstone:

 

Feldspar (contains aluminum). Translucent with white, pink, yellow,

soft sheen. Honors the Goddess in all women, Dieting, Gardening,

Psychic Awareness, Meditation. Soothes stress, anxiety, women's

hormones/menstrual imbalance, lymph. Enhances intuitive sensitivity

via feelings and less overwhelmed by personal feelings. Greater

flexibility and flow with life. Connects 2nd and 6th Chakra and

Pineal for emotional balance, gracefulness. Helps all be more

comfortable with our gentler feminine/yin receiving side. Especially

for water signs. Used for protection against the perils of travel.

Translucent, milky gemstones usually pale blue or green that are cut

from Albite. Found in India and Australia. Known to be of ancient

spiritual significance in their connection to the moon and the

intuitive aspect of one's nature. Help cool, soothe, and calm over-

reactions to emotional and personal situations. Makes one conscious

of the fact that all things are part of a cycle of constant change.

They open us up to the feminine and are associated with sensitivity,

intuition, and clairvoyance. Beneficial for those involved in

agriculture. Moonstone's effect upon the menstrual cycle is powerful.

At the time of the full moon or menstruation, women should be aware

of their sensitive emotional nature and remove these stones. May help

all parts of the lower torso, which include digestive, cleansing and

reproductive organs.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit