New information on Seasonal Affective Disorder

The sun is hard to find these dark cold gray days, and millions of Americans start to feel the effects of Seasonal Affective disorder. In early November some new information related to this condition was released.

Is this phenomenon of seasonal blues new?
• In the 1980’s scientific proof established that some people become depressed in early fall or winter and improve in springtime.
• 5% of Americans are affected by SAD and 10-15% of Americans have milder versions

What are some of the typical symptoms of seasonal affective disorder?
• Increasing eating (cravings for carbs, comfort foods)
• Depression
• Decrease in energy levels
• Dampened mood
• Oversleeping

What are some suggestions?
• Get up early and grab some sun: A 30-60 minute walk in the morning will help, but of course with the cold weather, this is difficult for lots of people
• Greet the day with artificial light: Use a light box (a full-spectrum light) on the breakfast table for 30 minutes of simulated light. Some people are even using “dawn simulating lights” by their beds in the morning to ease the symptoms
• Light up your life: Turn on some extra lights in your office or home. There is less evidence that this will help your mood, but it might help a bit since some reports sow that the light spectrum produced by energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs have produced some mood lifting trends vs. old bulbs.
• Remember there is no proof that tanning beds help with SAD
• Reach out to a licensed mental health professional to help with strategies to lower your mood disruptions.

Thought for the day

What you appreciate...appreciates!


If you are grateful for blessings in your life, you will witness an increase in blessings you witness.

Our Mental Health and These Stressful Times

Economic crisis is hitting all aspects of our life. Some Americans are forgoing their much needed therapy sessions, and even not taking their medications as a means of saving money that might be needed for other necessities. We will look at how anxiety for many is rising, but why the utilization of therapy is on a downturn.

What are psychologists, therapists and psychiatrists seeing in their practices?
• Americans are facing higher levels of anxiety and depression due to stressors. National Hopeline Network, a suicide hotline report a 10% monthly increase this year in calls.
• Americans are cutting their health care ranging from preventive tests to prescription drugs.
• Americans are losing jobs at an overwhelming rate and that means the end of insurance coverage and mental health care for thousands of people.
• The consequences of these factors could be dangerous.

What does research indicate regarding the correlation of suicide rates and recession?
• Research indicates that psychiatric hospitalizations and suicides peak at the lowest point in a recession.
• Harvey Brenner at the University of North Texas found that when employment rates drop, suicide rates rise.
• Rand Corp noted that when costs increase people tend to defer their mental health care more than their physical health care.

What are some suggestions for these stressful times?
• Suicidal risk: Those who are thinking of hurting themselves should not curtail therapy. Call your therapist and negotiate a plan.
• Use crisis hotlines as intermediary measures
• Don’t cut back on your medications without the supervision of your physician
• If you can’t afford your therapist or psychiatrist’s rate, ask about a payment plan, or a referral to a community health care agency with a sliding rate
• Investigate pharmaceutical companies that have patient assistance programs to access medications for those who cannot afford their meds.

Texting and Driving Don't Mix

Many drivers think it’s really not a big deal to use their cell phones and concentrate on driving. But with recent news of the potential train accident in California linked to a conductor texting while on the job brings multitasking under fire. Trying to eliminate distractions, the California Public Utility Commission created an emergency order banning the use of personal electric devices for anyone operating a train.

Have there been any new research related to mixing texting and driving?
• Study shows that 50,000 people say their riskiest behavior while texting is driving
• 42% of teens say they can text blindfolded and believe there is no problem doing this while driving

What are other concerns related to mixing these two activities?
• Research shows that people don’t achieve more when multitasking, they generally concentrate less on both activities
• Multitasking increases the chances of mistakes
• Multitasking slows down our response time which can be dangerous
• Our brains have difficulty moving from task to task and performance drops (example of counting and doing alphabet at the same time)

What are some options that have been proposed?
• There is a new technology that is pending which would actually prevent calls and text messaging reaching cell phones in a vehicle.
• Technology is pending to create a code that parents could activate or deactivate which would deactivate cell phones except for 911 emergency calls
• Now 6 state have made it against the law to text while driving

A Startling Rise in Suicidal Thoughts

What do the recent studies indicate? (August 2008 study presented at the American Psychological Association Convention in Boston)
• More than 50% of American college students have considered suicide in their life
• The rate of suicidal thoughts for college students is much higher than the 15.3% of Americans at large who have suicidal thoughts.

What other information within that shocking report?
• 26000 students at 70 schools were questioned in the survey and suicidal thoughts was as common as drug abuse.
• Students reported suicidal thoughts as a method of relieving emotional or physical pain (#1 reason)
• The second reason for suicidal thoughts was problems with romantic relationships
• The third was related to academics or problems in school

What are some suggestions if you believe someone is suicidal?
• Take all threats seriously. There is a myth that if people talk about it, they aren’t serious. Studies indicate that more than 75% of all completed suicides did say or do something prior to their death to let people know about their suicidal thoughts.
• Remember this is a cry for help. Be willing to tell someone, or take the person to the emergency room, or tell them you will go with them to therapy
• Don’t keep the secret. Make sure you do something to let others know such as calling the Call for Help number at 673-7373
Call a professional therapist and remember that depression is quite treatable and 75% of people

Women's Lifestyle Show is Almost Here!

Check out www.womenslifestyleshow.com for updates on the 2008 show!

You'll even find the 2008 seminar grid so you can start picking out your favorites to hear at the show.

We can't wait to see you there...

Seeking a New Job?

Perhaps you are seeking your first job, or your company is downsizing and you are looking for a secure position in another firm, or you just want to look for a new position. Tonight we will look at some tips you need to keep in mind as you look for that new job.

Have things changed for new graduates look for their first job?
There was a time you could control your references, but Career Builders says with social networking, things have changed
• Employers are checking places like Facebook and contacting people without your permission
• Employers are checking out your contacts and emailing them asking for information and the dirt on you
• There’s nothing unethical about this because your information is in the public domain
• Employers are looking for those interesting pictures and quotes you use on these social networking sites to discover the “real” you vs the one who shows up for interviews.

What are some common mistakes people make in their resumes?
• Not using keywords. In totals world, resumes in big companies are scanned for keywords that narrow down choices. Look for words that are used in the companies web pages or ads to assist your resume being seen
• Always proofread. Typos and grammatical errors are key factors for your resume landing in the trash. It says you don’t care about your work or you don’t care about the impression you are making
• Know your employer. Show why you are the perfect match for the job—and show how your talents fit into their needs.

Any other key tips for those creating their resumes?
• Visual appearances are important. This is an employers first impression so make that resume stand out with bulleted lists and plenty of white space and subheadings. Leave out the bright colors and distracting fonts if you want the job
• Lying can kill your chances. Everyone embellishes a little, but lying typically comes out in the long run and it will destroy your chance for the job or ever moving up in the company since you will have lost your credibility.

**tips Career Builders