Winter Blues or Depression?

Take a look at the National Alliance of Mental Health's list of symptoms of depression:

• Changes in sleep. 
  
• Changes in appetite. 
  
• Poor concentration. 
  
• Loss of energy. 
  
• Lack of interest and decrease in pleasure in formerly enjoyable activities.
  
• Low self-esteem. 
  
• Hopelessness or guilt. 
  
• Movement changes that include slowing down and exhaustion and/or agitation. 
  

If you are experiencing five or more of these symptoms, it's time to contact a healthcare professional.  Acupuncture on its own can help alleviate mild to moderate depression.  For severe depression, a multi-disciplinary approach is necessary.  This may include counseling and medication.

When I work with patients suffering from depression, I offer these suggestions:

• Do some type of aerobic exercise for at least a half an hour each day.  This causes the body to release endorphins, the body's "feel good" chemicals.
  
• Maintain a regular schedule.  Wake up and go to sleep at the same time each day.  Create routines that help you go through each day.
  
• Spend some time outdoors.  There is something about fresh air and sunshine that brightens the mood.
  
• Find activities that you love.  Cooking, reading, knitting, watching sports, going to the movies...  Anything you do where you lose sense of time and feel whole and complete.
  
• Engage the spirit in whatever way gives your life meaning.  This may be attending religious services or being out in nature.  Know that you are never alone.
  
• Surround yourself with people and/or animals who love and care about you.
  
• If you find yourself depressed during the winter months, you may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.  This can be treated by sitting in front of a light box for a half an hour each morning.

The most important thing is not to suffer in silence.  We, each of us, have an enormous capacity to heal.  Depression is a disease as real as high blood pressure and diabetes.  It can be treated.

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