Care Givers are Advised to Watch for Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder

March 28, 2009 - PRLog -- Ann Arbor -- Studies have shown that the seasons can have an adverse affect on mental health.  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a seriously disabling illness which prevents people from functioning normally.  The illness affects millions of people each year, causing seasonal depression during the winter months.  Combine this illness with care giver stress and the holiday season and the results can be disastrous.

Rebecca Sharp Colmer is a senior care specialist who has written books and articles about caregiving.  She explains SAD as a seasonal disorder that can return each year, typically between September and February.  Rebecca explained, “Symptoms tend to be the atypical symptoms of depression, including increased sleep, increased appetite, carbohydrate cravings, weight gain, irritability, interpersonal difficulties, rejection sensitivity and a heavy feeling in the arms or legs.  It is most important that care givers be aware of these symptoms as they can experience this condition just as easily as those who they are caring for.”

When asked what causes this disorder, Rebecca answered, “SAD is believed to be caused by a disturbance in the normal circadian rhythm of the body.  Light entering through the eyes influences this rhythm.  When it is dark, the pineal gland produces a substance called melatonin which is responsible for the drowsiness we feel each day after dusk.  Light entering the eyes at dawn shuts off the production of melatonin.  During the winter months, when the days are shorter, people often leave for work before dawn and do not get home until after sunset.  This lack of natural sunlight causes normal rhythm to become disrupted, producing symptoms of SAD.”

Many people experience the “blues” during the winter season; some become very depressed.  Learn more about SAD and other issues that can affect care givers and their loved ones at http://www.meandmycaregivers.com

Contact:
MeAndMyCaregivers
P.0. Box 157
Chelsea, MI 48118
Phone:   734-458-1098
Email:  Info@meandmycaregivers.com


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