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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-11-24, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005. Short days a SAD time for many in Huron County Feeling SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder is a near the Great Lakes in form of depression that occurs at a Southern Ontario, predictable time of year. Many Because we are north , ixl. x l. enough that we havesufferers of SAD feel the onset when shor“ d and a|so the clocks turn back in the fall, (ms) because of the cloud By Heather Crawford Citizen staff Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, usually beginning when the clocks are turned back an hour and ending with the onset of spring, is something many Huron County residents struggle with. “SAD is very relevant to this area,” Dr. Jeff McAuley, a psychiatrist working out of Goderich said. “I have seen a number of people with it.” The disorder affects between two and three per cent of the general population according to a study from the Canadian Mental Health Association and another 15 per cent experience less severe symptoms often dubbed “the winter blues.” The severity of the disorder cart vary significantly. For some, it is debilitating and prevents the sufferer from functioning normally at work, at home and in social settings. People with SAD often lack energy or the desire to participate in 1 Guaranteed for life. , Choose the picture, the numbers and the lettering. From $99. Will never rust, split or tarnish X^^^^PIease order by Dec. 2 for Christmas gift-giving \ & free shipping offer. Great Christmas Gift Ideas * Traditional Hand-Cast Signs 1 activities they normally enjoy, have difficulty concentrating, can be irritable, avoid social situations, tend to oversleep, and experience feelings of anxiety and despair. Although people have been aware of the symptoms of SAD for more than 150 years, it was not recognized as a disorder until approximately 20 years ago. As a result many people may not be aware that they have SAD or that help exists. According to McAuley, SAD is “really common in the area.” He said the two places in the country that have the highest rates of SAD are on the coast of British Columbia and cover that comes off of the Great Lakes,” residents in Southwestern Ontario are more susceptible to the disorder. McAuley recommends light therapy as a treatment for sufferers of the disorder. This therapy uses light boxes that contain florescent, full-spectrum bulbs of 10,000 lux. “Using this for about half an hour in the morning works with your biological clock and fools your brain into thinking it’s summertime,” he said. McAuley suggests seeking professional help first because the light boxes cost approximately $250. “You might want to check to see if it’s worth it first,” he said. Certain anti-depressants also can help in the treatment of SAD as well as cognitive-behavioural therapy, McAuley said. Dr. Robert Shepherd, a clinical | Carrol and Bob Fowler of Brussels and Anna and Zbigniew Sadowy of Windsor are pleased to announce the marriage of their children I Kyle and Sylvia on October 1, 2005. The wedding took place at St. | Anne's Roman Catholic Church in Tecumseh. The couple V honeymooned in Hawaii and will reside in Tecumseh, Ontario. Kyle ®randson Anne Bryans °f Brussels and the late Lome Bryans. psychologist out of Clinton, said “[someone suffering with SAD] would be better to get outside for a half hour a day and get some sun on their face [than to use light therapy].” Ten thoushand lux, Shepherd said, is less light than a person can acquire in natural daylight, even on a cloudy day. “[Some research has found] that the problem isn’t with the amount of sunlight, as it is with the phasing of; light.” Shepherd suggests trying to get light in the morning if possible. One symptom of SAD is the craving of carbohydrates and a change in weight. “As the availability of fresh produce declines in the winter, people are eating more [convenience] foods,” Shepherd said. “We may crave carbohydrates as well, but it’s just easier for a lot of people to reach for a bag of potato chips [than to get fresh vege­ tables].” Shepherd said his observations have been that people start drinking more in the winter because “it is the partying season,” and this could contribute to feelings of depression as well. “Alcohol is a depressant and interrupts your sleep pattern,” he said, which could alter a person’s mood. Shepherd said he hasn’t observed SAD to affect people of a particular age group. “My experience has been with people from kids on up to the elderly,” he said. McAuley echoed this observation. “I haven’t noticed a certain age group. It seems to affect all ages.” Certain studies however, suggest the onset typically begins in people over the age of 20 and decreases with age. “Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression,” McAuley said, which suggests more women than men suffer from SAD as well. “It’s really a pattern of depression,” Shepherd said. “It happens at a predictable time each year. SAD does not have to occur during the winter months. Some people have it in the summer.” Shepherd said reasons why people suffer from SAD are complicated but he recommended that sufferers try to participate in outdoor sports in the winter if possible, eat healthier, drink less, get a walking partner for the socializing benefits and that if someone is suffering from SAD, then the winter is probably not a 412 Queen Street, Blyth, ON - Dana Weber - Gift ideas for everyone on your list from $795 - $4995 Qift certificates <£ steckin^ staffers Mon. & Tiies 9-2 Wed. & Thurs. 9-5 Sat. 8-1 (519) 523-9555 thevillagebarber@hotmail.com FREE GIFT WITH EVERY PURCHASE As ar cferitj «ry, so do tboir msdfi 55 Josephine St Wingham 357-4050 www.herbalmagic.ca 'Lmited time offer, one coupon per putchose, hout 2 bottles Ephedrine free reduces appetite and weight WEIGHT LOSS & NUTRITION Zv CENTRES Formula S/E" good time to stop taking medication that they are already on regularly. McAu'ey suggested some websites where people can go for more information and to find support: The National Mental Health Association www.nmha.org; The National Alliance for Mental Illness www.nami.org; The Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.com; and Mood Disorders Canada www.mooddisorderscanada.ca.