Fighting the Fall Blues
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Fall in Vancouver is always a time of dramatic changes with weather, nature and ourselves taking on new cycles of progression. I quite like the changes that come with the seasons, at least the first few weeks, as in the fall when the temperature starts to dip, leaves start falling and we get to wear boots again, my all-time favourite thing about fall and winter! But for many, this time of year can take its toll on moods, and diminished feelings of wellbeing.
For those who can relate to this feeling it may be a condition known as SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder. People with SAD often experience more severe feelings, often drastic changes in their overall moods which can be accompanied by depression, anxiety and/or fatigue. Young adults are particularly prone to this disorder as are women. If you work in a windowless office and live in more northern climes as we do, we are also more susceptible to SAD.
There are several possible causes of SAD including: low serotonin levels (resultant of less exposure to sunlight during the darker fall and winter months), living in northern regions, increased melatonin levels due to decreased daylight hours resulting in fatigue, changes to the circadian rhythm due to fewer daylight hours, and genetics e.g. family members who suffer with SAD. SAD should be taken seriously as it can often be a precursor to depression, a condition that really should be treated professionally and in a timely manner.
What are the signs of SAD? Look for:
- Depression
- Presence of headaches
- Craving sweet foods
- Excessive sleep
- Thoughts of suicide
- Loneliness
- Drastic mood swings
- Fatigue
- Complications at work
- Disinterest in social activities
- Low energy
- Drug abuse
- Increase in weight
- Sensitive to rejection
- Guilty feelings
- School complications
- Anxiety
- Poor concentration
- Feeling hopeless
Besides seeking professional help from a Psychologist, Psychiatrist or Counsellor, there is another treatment option available, phototherapy or Blue LED Light! We offer Blue LED light at our clinic which we use for Acne treatments. Besides treating acne, the blue light is excellent for helping with the moody blues. LED light therapy involves lying or sitting under the Blue LED light for about 20 minutes; this is a very relaxing treatment, there is no feeling of pain, in fact clients often fall asleep!
If you suffer from SAD the good news is that there are treatment options available. Short of hopping on a plane and going to the sun, Blue LED light will help. Call our office on 604.259.8757 to book an appointment. Sessions are $75 each or packages of 6 available for $375 plus GST.
We have started a Meetup entitled “Vancouver Holistica Wellbeing” which meets the last Thursday of every month. This month we are featuring a Meetup at 7 pm on November 26, 2015 entitled “Change your mood and Create a happier you” presented by Vancouver Hypnotherapist and NLP practitioner Nicolette Eus. RSVP here and come out to learn more about what you can do to fight the fall blues.
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