SAD

SAD

 (Seasonal affective disorder) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year. If you're like most people with seasonal affective disorder, your symptoms start in the fall and may continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. 

Fall and winter seasonal affective disorder (winter depression)

Winter-onset seasonal affective disorder symptoms include:

Depression
Hopelessness
Anxiety
Loss of energy
Heavy, "leaden" feeling in the arms or legs
Social withdrawal
Oversleeping
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
Weight gain
Difficulty concentrating

Causes

The specific cause of seasonal affective disorder remains unknown. It's likely, as with many mental health conditions, that genetics, age and, perhaps most importantly, your body's natural chemical makeup all play a role in developing the condition. A few specific factors that may come into play include:

• Your biological clock (circadian rhythm). The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may disrupt your body's internal clock, which lets you know when you should sleep or be awake. This disruption of your circadian rhythm may lead to feelings of depression.
• Serotonin levels. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might play a role in seasonal affective disorder. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression.
• Melatonin levels. The change in season can disrupt the balance of the natural hormone melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood.

- taken from:    http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/definition/con-20021047

It's been a rough winter for several reasons. But today (going through my closet clearing out fall /winter clothes and organizing spring/summer clothes,) I realized I own WAY more warm weather clothes. Now for the most part I don't enjoy going shopping. But apparently I shop a lot more for clothes in the spring and summer months. 

Hooray spring is hear!!

Note: I'm sure in 3 months I'm going to be blogging about the heat I can't tolerate. LOL!

Interview with God

Christian's 13th Birthday Party!

 The cake!

The food!

The fun!

The song and presents!

Wordless Wednesday

Follow Jesus - Take comfort in his light

John 8:12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

That verse is something that my children can learn now, tonight! The post below shows how I've taught Sam to face his fears by being brave and using light to see what is really there. Light shown on an object highlights what we could not see before. Jesus is that light for our lives! He shows us what we may not have seen before, and if we keep him close he will keep that light bright.

Note:
Those reading my blog, know that I may interpret scripture differently than you. I am not a pastor or priest who has committed their entire life to learning and interpreting scripture. Would take my word on how to perform a surgery? I am new on this journey. I have in the past asked my pastor to interpret things on my blog that I have posted, in order to not lead a person astray. But I can't ask him to read every blog post I feel the need to post. That being said, if anyone thinks that I am interpreting the word of God wrong. It is your job as a christian to help me along my journey. I am open minded, and will post your comments for everyone to see. Who knows you may shine your light on me.