Autumn and S.A.D.

It's now three days after Daylight Savings Time ended and the days are now noticeably shorter. There was a full moon yesterday afternoon at 5 pm... not a pale moon in a blue sky, but the full on moon in a dark, indigo sky.

This brings to mind, for most people, cosy family dinners, maybe a glass of wine and a book by a fireplace or just a good evening of Dancing With The Stars.

But for many this time of year brings on Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is episodes of depression that occur at a certain time of the year, usually during winter. The disorder may begin during the teen years or in early adulthood. Like other forms of depression, it occurs more often in women than in men.People who live in places with long winter nights are at greater risk for SAD. A less common form of the disorder involves depression during the summer months.Symptoms usually build up slowly in the late autumn and winter months. Symptoms are usually the same as with depression:

• Increased appetite with weight gain (weight loss is more common with other forms of depression)
• Increased sleep and daytime sleepiness (too little sleep is more common with other forms of depression)
• Less energy and ability to concentrate in the afternoon
• Loss of interest in work or other activities
• Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
• Social withdrawal
• Unhappiness and irritability

I, like many of us in the gender gifted community deal with depression on a regular basis, however when you also factor S.A.D. in, it is easier to hit the tipping point into a deeper depression... i speak, of course, only from my personal experience, as always YMMV*.

How do i deal with it... well i have a full spectrum lamp that i will sit under like a big old flower *giggles* and some others seem to think this helps.
"Light therapy using a special lamp with a very bright fluorescent light (10,000 lux) that mimics light from the sun may also be helpful.

• Follow your doctor's instructions about how to use light therapy. A common practice is to sit a couple of feet away from the light box for about 30 minutes every day. This is usually done in the early morning, to mimic sunrise.
• Keep your eyes open, but do not look straight into the light source."
• other things that can help... a daylight walk, or any activity that gets you out of your usual spaces or routines. to wit...
"As with other types of depression, antidepressant medications and talk therapy can be effective.
Taking long walks during the daylight hours and getting exercise can make the symptoms better. Keep active socially, even if it involves some effort."

Remember, as always I Am Not A Doctor. If you suspect you are suffering from any form of depression, long or short term, cyclic or seasonal, contact your doctor or mental health professional, but always recognize the signs.
Remember, as i always say, the gender gifter are special people, Take care of yourselves.

Biggest, Warmest Autumn Hugs!
Diana

*your mileage may vary

On health and Hormones

Hi ladies!... I'm recovering from a very bad bout of Bronchitis and it led me to ponder on the subject of T* health. Face it, we are unique individuals in a world of unique individuals. First thought... if you are considering taking, or are currently taking Hetrotypic* Hormones, either by scrip or on the sly... blood tests are not just important, they are urgent... female hormones are very very powerful, I'd say even more so than male hormones. they can effect and damage many of your vital organs, kidneys and liver especially. they can increase your risk of breast cancer, so, self exams are a must, and not as much fun as you might think.
Next, smoking. Don't. Quit if you do, but smoking and HRT** do not mix... you will rocket into a very high risk group for heart disease and stroke.

Exercise... it sounds sexist but this is true... Men lose weight easier than women do... and the culprit is Estrogen. so if you are over your target weight for a woman of your height, and haven't started HRT yet, lose it now. take it from me... it don't go easy after you've been taking hormones. Don't believe me? Ask any woman trying to shed the 'baby weight'. Diet and exercise are your best friends.

Mental health is a whole 'nother subject and I will post at length, but one thing I will say now is that we gender gifted, ever at odds with, most if not all societies, have a greater chance of being depressed than most people and that includes our T* Brothers as well as you Sisters. Learn the signs of Depression and if you think that it sounds like you, please, please, please seek help. to many brilliant T*'s die by their own hands.

*Hetrotypic... basically opposite. hetrotypic hormones are estrogen and progesterone for men and androgen and testosterone for women
**HRT hormone replacement therapy.