Seasonal Depression

I finally got all my Christmas shopping done. My last stop was a cute little coffee shop that has a killer holiday blend. Yes, I must admit, I am a total caffeine addict. I LOVE the flavored coffees. I don’t particularly care for the syrups though. I didn’t make that clear one Christmas, and I ended up with a case of flavored syrups! I picked up a few flavored coffee blends in little pouches for some finishing touches to the gifts I picked up.

I always wish I could get more gifts for my loved ones than I allow myself to get. I’m definitely a giver. There’s nothing that makes me happier than giving instead of receiving because the gift of a smile on a loved one’s face is the best gift anyone could ever give me. Thanks to our economy, I’m sure there are many that can’t buy as much this year as well. I can only imagine how hard it’s been for those who suffer from seasonal depression!

Speaking of which, December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month. Four to six of every 100 people are diagnosed with SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder. The amount of daylight along with seasonal changes can cause sadness, feelings of hopelessness, irritability, fatigue, drops in energy levels, etc. Six percent of people may even require hospitalization!

It was to my amazement that the treatment for it (that also may be taken home) is called “Bright Light Therapy (BLT)”. The light matches the radiation from sunlight shortly after sunrise or before sunset for 15 minutes, up to 3 hours. Psychotherapy and medication is also administered.

Well, not only are people dealing with SAD, but there are many that are just flat out at their rope’s end this year. Unfortunately it has led many to rob others. A friend of mine had her purse taken from her. The attacker had a knife and cut her purse strap! He was just centimeters from her neck as he was following through. She was so lucky she didn’t get her throat cut! Her husband had their cash and cards on him, so he only got away with a purse and some lip gloss, nothing of value. She truly counts herself lucky.

Be sure yourself and your loved ones have some sort of protection at all times! TASERS, pepper sprays and stun guns are the best non-lethal form of protection out there! Get them while you are thinking of it now, not after something has happened!