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BPC Monthly Newsletter Finding Your Way... Through Autumn Mood Swings  Tools for Optimizing Emotional & Mental Wellness October 2005 Issue In this issue: Mood Swings Free Depression Screenings New Garden Photos Hurricane Trama
October brings us crisp days, beautiful foliage displays and warm mugs of apple cider. But for many it may also trigger unexplained mood swings, depression, manic highs, sleep irregularities and more. Before you can stabilize your moods, it may be helpful to know more about what might be causing them. This month we look at several possible explanations for autumn mood changes. Dorothy Ashman & the staff of Bloomsburg Psychological Center, LLC.
As summer fades into fall, we experience both physical and psychological changes that may impact on our ability to sustain a healthy, stable mood. All of the following problems can intensify in the fall. Sleep Problems Both insomnia and over-sleeping can be triggered during this time of year. Sleep disturbances can indicate, or bring on, episodes of depression, anxiety or mania. SAD Although Seasonal Affective Disorder is more often associated with winter months, many people who suffer from it actually notice the first low moods appearing in the fall. Light therapy is often the most effective approach. Early morning use of full- spectrum or blue-light boxes is highly suggested as soon as the symptoms become noticeable. We have blue-light boxes to lend out if you would like to see if this therapy is helpful for your SAD. Bipolar Disorder Formerly called Manic Depressive Disorder, this hereditary psychological disorder is often harder to control in the fall and the spring. Manic episodes of high energy, expansive feelings, irritability, inability to sleep and risky behavior are then followed by episodes of deep depression, fatigue and excessive sleep. Antidepressants may help the depression, but can also trigger manic episodes, so doctors often combine them with mood stabilizers. Bipolar disorder is hard to diagnose and is often misdiagnosed as Major Depression until the doctor or therapist becomes aware of mood swings into irritability or expansive states. Alcohol induced depression Earlier nights, cold and rainy days and more sedentary activities may all may increase low moods and the use of alcohol to avoid them. Although usually consumed to reduce inhibition and to feel good, alcohol is actually a depressant. Even a few drinks can leave you feeling "down" for the entire next day. By the time evening arrives, you are reaching for another "pick-me-up", creating a "depressive" cycle that you might not even notice at first. Sugar cravings Often when our brains notice a low mood, they send out cravings for simple carbohydrates. These sugars temporarily increase serotonin levels in the brain and elevate our mood. Unfortunately, this lift lasts only for a very short time and before you know it you are searching for yet another sweet. The accompanying weight gain intensifies the low moods and cravings, perpetuating the cycle.
Depression Screening Day is officially October 6th, but this year we are offering free Depression Screenings all week to anyone in the community. Just call BPC at 570-387-1832 to schedule a time slot. After you fill out the screening, one of our therapists will meet with you for about 15 minutes and go over the results.
With our first frost quickly approaching, we snapped a few final pictures of our Meditation and Sculpture Garden so you can enjoy them throughout the winter months ahead. It is hard to believe how quickly our new entrance sculpture has been covered with vines and blossoms! If life is becoming a little too hectic, please feel free to spend some time in our garden while the warm weather continues.
The number of children and adults who have been severly traumatized following Hurrican Katrina is staggering. As therapists, we know that for many, these nightmares will not simply fade away with time. EMDR is a powerful weapon for battling the after-effects of trauma, whether from natural or man-made disaster. EMDR-Humanitarian Assistance Programs (HAP), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and can be described as the mental health equivalent of Doctors Without Borders: a global network of clinicians who travel anywhere there is a need to stop suffering and prevent the after-effects of trauma and violence. If you would like to support this crucial organization, you can send a donation of any size to EMDR-HAP and mark your donation for Katrina relief. |
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