S.A.D.
 (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
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SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (S.A.D.)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (or "winter blues" in its milder form) can seem like "all year" depression in terms of symptoms, although in fact it is caused by the shortening of daylight hours. Researchers believe that the biology of seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.) could be very similar to that of "normal" depression, hence the same antidepressant drugs (such as Prozac) are often used to treat both.

Counselling and complementary approaches such as those offered by Life Focus can often provide the 'missing piece of the puzzle' alongside prescription medicines - or even as a complete alternative for those not wishing to start on anti-depressants. The SADAssociation, a charity providing help and information, advises that "Psychotherapy, counselling or any complementary therapy which helps the sufferer to relax, accept their illness and cope with its limitations are extremely useful." We will describe how Life Focus can help you in just a moment.

Do I have S.A.D.?
The main thing that distinguishes Seasonal Affective Disorder is the fact that symptoms are only present during certain months of the year. Whereas some cases can stretch as long as from September to April, sufferers in the UK tend to be afflicted only in the darker days of December to February. The extent to which an individual is affected can range from mild discomfort to seriously disabling levels - yet when the long days of sunshine return, symptoms melt away.

In terms of actual symptoms, the signs of S.A.D. include tiredness, lethargy, sleep problems, depressive tendencies, food cravings, anxiety, mood swings, loss of libido, irritability and changes in your social life. If you suspect you may have S.A.D., please consult your Doctor.

How Life Focus can help you!
1 - Consultations
We combine the following elements to create a treatment programme for you. This can run alongside medication that your Doctor has prescribed, although we would like to inform him/her that we are working with you.

- Overview of what S.A.D. is - and isn't!
- Therapeutic discussion and time for you to investigate the whole situation you find yourself in.
- Planning where you want to be.
- Visualisations to 'bathe' you in light and bring energy and a healing balance.
- New thought patterns and behaviours will be developed together to help you to cope better and break any limiting patterns.
- Dietary / vitamin recommendations to consider as general guidelines.
- Bach Flower Remedy treatment bottles, if requested, to help with areas such as lethargy, irritability or adapting to the change in seasons.
- Aromatherapy oils; our suggestions to help combat fatigue, depression, sleep problems, etc.
- Ionisers, 'Light boxes' and other products that might be beneficial.

Please contact the HelpDesk in confidence if you think we might be able to help you.

2 - PRODUCTS
2.1 - IONISERS  &  S.A.D.

Try this from the Life Focus Shop :
 ·  'Ioniser with Aroma-dish'  -  (Combine with Essential Oils, below)

The benefits of exposure to relatively high concentrations of negative ions have been well documented over decades. Literally dozens of studies published in respected journals have concluded that negative ions can have a profoundly beneficial effect on both the mind and body.

Possibly the most exciting study for S.A.D. sufferers was published in the February 1995 issue of "Journal of Alternative and Comparative Medicine" and reported on CBS News. Researchers Dr Michael Terman (Head of Colombia's Winter Depression Dept.) and Dr Jiuan Su Terman conducted a study of the impact of negative ion therapy on people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder.  The results were truly remarkable; subjects in the group treated for 30 minutes a day for 20 days with a high density ion generator (2,700,000 ions/cc) experienced relief from depression comparable to that given by Prozac and other anti-depressants, without drug side effects. (The remission or "cure" criterion used was a 50% or greater reduction in symptom frequency and severity using the SAD version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.)

2.2 - AROMATHERAPY-BASED PRODUCTS  &  S.A.D.

Try these from the Life Focus Shop :
 ·  'Energy' or 'Fun' from the 'Essence of...' Essential Aromatherapy Oils range. (Perfect in the Hot Bowl, Ioniser or Car-Diffuser below. In 'emergencies', sniff straight from the bottle or on a handkerchief!)
·  'Energy' or 'Fun' candles from the 'Essence of...' selection, laced with the Oils.
·  'Uplifting' candle in a tin.
·  'Invigorating', 'Sleep', 'Calm', 'Concentration', 'Sheer Bliss', 'Summer Breeze' or 'Warming' Bath and Massage Oil / Bath Milk.
·  To vaporise Essential oils, try the 'Ioniser with Aroma-dish'  (see 'Ionisers' above), an Electric 'Hot Bowl' (range of 5 colours) or an unusual 'In car Diffuser'.
·  Please contact the HelpDesk with any questions or if you would like to purchase any items that haven't yet made their way into the web shop!

Suitable for men and women, aromas with a 'sunny' nature such as Grapefruit or Orange are often the most popular in helping to combat S.A.D.  It is only partly the smell of these oils that helps the sufferer; aromatherapy-quality oils contain a multitude of active ingredients and so are all useful even if the fragrance may not be your first choice. For example, Grapefruit (a key ingredient in the 'Energy' blend) is a nerve tonic and facilitates mental activity. This can be especially beneficial for sufferers who feel as though their brain is "half-asleep" much of the time. Using the Hot Bowl with this kind of oil in the home or office seems to lift the spirits and stimulate the mind. Since the smell is fresh and familiar, it can also make it easy to use at work without attracting adverse comments!