February 2010 Archives

Does colder weather get you down? For many people, the shorter days and long, dark nights of fall and winter can lead to a mild or severe depression known as seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Anyone of any age can develop SAD, although women in their 20s are especially vulnerable. If you notice symptoms like weight gain, daytime sleepiness, increased irritability and anxiety, and social withdrawal in yourself or a loved one, it may be time to seek treatment for SAD.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of seasonal depression triggered by the change in seasons, primarily winter. More than half a million Americans experience a winter depression but are better come summer. It is important to treat SAD, because all forms of depression limit people's ability to live their lives to the fullest, to enjoy their families.

Symptoms of SAD include:

Weight gain: Cravings for sweet and starchy foods lead to excess weight. 

Daytime fatigue: People with SAD are tired during the day and have less energy. They may also find themselves sleeping a lot, but getting no relief from their fatigue. With SAD, you eat more and sleep more - It's hibernation-like.

Increased irritability and anxiety: People with SAD worry more about everyday events and can be easily irritated. They can have trouble concentrating, too.

Social withdrawal: Those with SAD prefer to be alone; they shun the company of friends and family and do not participate in activities they normally enjoy. Often their social behavior is hard to understand.

SAD is treatable - more on the various treatment methods in the full article.

Step 1: Check with insurance
If you are employed and you do have medical insurance, this is the first thing you should do. Check with your insurance provider to find out exactly what is covered. If your insurance pays for mental health visits, then this is something you should consider. 

Step 2: Consider unemployment insurance
If you are unemployed you may want to consider getting a temporary insurance policy designed for those who currently don't have jobs. Make sure the policy has mental health benefits and that you understand the ins and outs of the policy before you commit.

Step 3: Consider taking calming herbs
If you are feeling stressed about the economy, use herbs to try to prevent your mental health situation from getting bad. Having trouble sleeping at night? Does your nervous system feel frazzled? Gentle herbs like chamomile, stinging nettle and oatstraw can really help calm your nervous system.

These herbs are gentle enough to take each day in the form of a tea. Just don't take nettle if you're taking medication to thin the blood like Coumadin; the Vitamin K content in nettle causes blood clots.

Step 4: Consider counseling
If you do need someone to talk to about your mental health, consider making an appointment with a counselor. Counselors are highly trained and can maybe help you work out what's bothering you.

Step 5: Get financial help
Chances are, a lot of your stress might be caused by money. If this is the case, you might want to consider getting financial help. If you're unemployed you could be collecting unemployment, for example. Also take advantage of any other government programs you might be eligible for such as disability or food stamps (see Resources below for some links to financial help options).

Step 6: Check with the state
What kinds of unemployment benefits are you actually entitled to? Some states may allow you to get counseling or offer some kind of mental health support. Determine what kinds of options are available if you are unemployed.