Up & Coming Weekly

DECEMBER 9-15, 2009 UCW 13 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM STACEY HALE, Contributing Writer. COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder by STACEY HALE Do you start wishing you were a brown bear around late December, so you could curl up inside your warm den and sleep for the next three months? Does your energy ebb more quickly in the winter and your appetite soar to alarming heights? If so, you're not alone. In some cases, the above symptoms may be traced to a seasonal or regularly recurring event. SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a type of depres- sion which affects millions of people every winter, particularly during December, January and February and whose symptoms disap- pear during the remainder of the year. SAD is caused by a biochemical imbalance which may result from the shortening of daylight hours and the lack of sunlight in winter. For many people SAD is a disabling illness, prevent- ing them from functioning normally without medical treatment. For others, it is a milder condition, causing minor discomfort without signifi cant disruption to one's life. Lack of light has always had an effect on human beings. Like other animals, humans respond to darkness by producing more of the hormone melatonin, which acts like a tranquilizer on the body. In just an hour of darkness, we can produce fi ve times as much melatonin as during daylight hours. At sunrise, the bright light ordinarily causes the body to stop producing melatonin, but in the winter not enough light is received to trigger the signal to stop production. For most people, the negative aspects of winter are annoying, but not a prob- lem. However, people with Seasonal Affective Disorder exhibit depression-like and specifi c symptoms during the winter months. Are you struggling with the following symptoms? • Depression with a fall or winter onset • Lack of energy; slow, sluggish, lethargic movement • Decreased interest in work or signifi cant activities • Increased appetite with weight gain • Carbohydrate cravings • Increased sleep; excessive daytime sleepiness • Social withdrawal • Afternoon slumps While the impact of Seasonal Affective Disor- der can impact both our personal and work lives, the good news is that SAD is treatable in most people. If you think you might have SAD, the fi rst step is to consult your primary care physician or other helping professional. For many of us who experience the milder "win- ter blahs," we offer some helpful tips for coping: 1. Make time for morning or mid-day walks. 2. Make time to engage in leisure activities with upbeat, encouraging companions. 3. Reduce your fat intake. 4. Set a goal to be a "tourist" and explore your own town; and recruit a friend or family member to tag along. 5. Volunteer each week — helping others always seems to lift one's spirit and mood. 6. Start a new hobby. If you would like more information about Seasonal Affective Disorder or other work-life issues, or if you are in need of confi dential services there are a variety of resources available. Fort Bragg Family Advocacy (910-396-5521), Military One Source (militaryonesource.com or 1-800-342-9647), and Military Family Life Consultants (910-391-9171/910-489-5528/910-489-8020) are available — not only during the holidays but throughout the year. Call to fi nd out how we can help. 111 Highland Ave., Fayetteville w.hpchurch.org Highland Presbyterian Church Jazz Christmas Sunday - December 20 7 pm, Highland Sanctuary JoyGift offering taken Cider and cookies afterward! Live Nativity - Live Nativity - Front Lawn 4:00 Front Lawn 4:00 Family Christmas - Family Christmas - 5:00 Sanctuary 5:00 Sanctuary 2nd Mile Contemporary Christmas - 2nd Mile Contemporary Christmas - 7:30 Fellowship Hall 7:30 Fellowship Hall Candlelight Christmas - Candlelight Christmas - 10:00 Sanctuary 10:00 Sanctuary 910-485-2147 • ww Christmas Eve Events Live Nativity - Front Lawn 4:00 Family Christmas - 5:00 Sanctuary 2nd Mile Contemporary Christmas - 7:30 Fellowship Hall Candlelight Christmas - 10:00 Sanctuary Nutcracker Directed by Charlotte Blume The North Carolina State Ballet presents Sat, December 12 Sun, December 13 3:00 p.m. THEATER The Dr. Jan Carter First Missionary Baptist Church Ronald W. Katz, DMD, PHD, Cape Center Dental Tickets on sale at the Crown Center Box Office Military discount with I.D. WWW.CLIMBREDPOINT.COM WWW.CLIMBREDPOINT.COM Christmas Christmas Parties! Parties! 910.868.ROCK (7625) 910.868.ROCK (7625) Don't Forget: EVERYONE NEEDS A WAIVER!!! 4%!- "5),$).' 3#(//, 0!24)%3 /&&)#% 0!24)%3 34!&& 2%7!2$3 Includes: 2-hour climb time, all necessary equipment, and party belayers! /NE OF A +IND 0ARTIES $15/PERSON minimum of 10 #LIMBING #ROSS&IT --! SFEQPJOU Affordable office fun! Affordable office fun! Team work and goal setting! Team work and goal setting! All levels, all abilities, all ages! All levels, all abilities, all ages!

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