'Tis The Season

November 2005

Yes, once again it is the season of joyful celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Yet, how many of us feel rested and reflective as we approach December 25th?  Ah, 'tis also the season of stress, unrealistic expectations, and for some, Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.).

S.A.D. is a mood disorder afflicting millions of Canadians as the sun moves further south in our hemishere for the winter.  Our days get shorter and darkness seems to descend upon us earlier and earlier in the evening.  For some this results in the onset of troublesome behaviors including depressed, irritable, or anxious mood; increased need for sleep; and carbohydrate craving. Also common are loss of motivation and creativity, muddled thinking, social withdrawal and diminished interest in things previously enjoyed (including sexual intimacy).

To combat these tendencies, get outside as much as you can - natural light is brighter, even on overcast days, than artificial indoor lighting.  Regular exercise is a great defense against S.A.D. and stress.  A brisk walk in the morning is a great way to start the day, or a ten minute walk two or three times a day is equally beneficial.  If symptoms are severe, contact your doctor.  Professional treatment includes bright light therapy and/or antidepressant medication.

As we approach the holiday season, it is easy to get caught up in frenetic preparations to make Christmas special for the ones we love.  Remember, no one lavishly decorated the manger for his arrival, and I dare say his birthdays were no grand display of Martha Stewartism either.  Christmas is time for celebrating the greatest gift of all, God visiting humanity in the form of Jesus Christ.

May your holidays be blessed!