“…let us not [only] love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18         

     As I write this note the snow is falling. The time change has resulted in longer, darker nights with sunrise after 7:00 am and sunset as early as 5:00 pm.  These seasonal factors along with family celebrations often brings the “winter blues”.  Many individuals are consumed with the doldrums this time of year.  The official medical term for this type of mood disorder is a depression known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD.  It happens due to a disturbance in the circadian system of the body.  It is quite common, affecting more than 3 million people per year in the US. It can last for several months or years.  It is common in ages 18-35 and occurs more frequently in women.  Family history may increase the likelihood of SAD. Many individuals are lonely without close ties to others. When holiday celebrations are occurring around them, they become increasingly despondent and depressed as well.     

     Symptoms of major depression may include Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day; losing interest in activities you once enjoyed; experiencing changes in appetite or weight; having problems with sleep; feeling sluggish or agitated; Having low energy; Feeling hopeless or worthless; having difficulty concentrating; or having frequent thoughts of death or suicide.

     For winter-pattern SAD, additional specific symptoms may include oversleeping (hypersomnia); overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates; weight gain; Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”; poor appetite, leading to weight loss; restlessness and agitation; anxiety; or even episodes of violent behavior. 

      Depression by any name is best treated by health care professionals. We know that the decreased amount of natural sunlight may also be a factor in these depressions.  For some Light Therapy with a very bright light (10,000 times brighter than average light bulbs) for 30-45 minutes each day is helpful.  Other therapies include “talk” therapy; antidepressant medications, and/or Vitamin D.  

     We pray: “Heavenly Father, please strengthen our hearts, and remind us to encourage one another when the troubles of life start to overwhelm us. Please guard our hearts and the hearts of our loved ones and friends from depression. Give us the strength to rise each day and fight against the struggles which seek to weigh us down. We ask in the name of your beloved son, Jesus.  Amen.”

Parish Nurse,

Carolyn D. Pauling PhD RN