There`s a reasonably large area of grass right next to my office, and it is quite common to see rabbits when I arrive in mornings. They feed of fresh grass and latest plants that landscape gardeners have kindly left. They appear quite content and blissfully unaware of any dangers. Unaware that is, until a sudden movement catches their eye or a disturbing sound catches their ear. With appearance of either of these, they bolt down nearest hole faster than lightening.

In contrast, there is a large roundabout (for my American friends: an intersection with a round (sometimes oval) plot of land in middle), not too far from town. My family and I affectionately call it “Rabbit Roundabout” due to large populous of wild rabbits living in and on it. These rabbits are different. From babies to more long in tooth relations, they can be found eating grass at various times of day with traffic passing within a few feet of their “dining area”. Do they disappear with movement or loud noise of engines and stereo systems built on wheels? No. They take no notice.

Let me take you into space for a minute. When a space craft is to return to earth, various manoeuvres have to take place to ensure that it is in right place at right time and facing right direction at right angle. Why? If they failed to do so, any one of a number of catastrophic events could occur, including complete destruction of craft and all on board. To re-enter and return to Earth, everything must be properly planned and executed.

Some of rabbits on that roundabout could do with learning similar principles. These are adventurous ones. Those who decide that living on island is no longer good enough and venture out to pastures new. Crossing that road is a dangerous affair and many a rabbit has never been heard of again.

Some do make it though. They reach that other land and we hope live a happy life. These are ones that do not attempt to leave island until it is safe to do so and once they set paw on that unfamiliar road, nothing stops them. They just go for it!

Meanwhile, rabbits back near my office continue to replenish themselves on well worn grass and whatever else they might find. There is no real sense of adventure with these rabbits. They just…well, exist.

So what has re-entry of spacecraft got to do with rabbits? For that matter, what have either got to do with you and your life? If you are one of those people looking to make a fresh start in life or returning to a particular sector of it after a long break, then it has quite a lot to do with you.

Let`s get groundwork done first, which brings me nicely back to rabbits again! When it comes to making some kind of a comeback or a re-appearance on scene after being away from things for a while, let me ask you a question. What is your strongest driving force in relation to this issue? Your honest answer to this question will determine your outcome. For example, if you are taking this step out of deep set desire and opportunity, then you are likely to succeed. If you are doing so as a result of some unexpected circumstance that has placed you in such a position, you are likely to struggle. (Though this may not be a lasting struggle). So – are you at this point in your life because you have to be or because you choose to be? In rabbit terms, are you here for food or adventure?

The good news is, that it doesn`t matter – as long as. “As long as what?” I here you ask. As long as you have right approach.

Title: Light Up Your Life: Seasonal Affective Disorder Author: Dave Turo-Shields, ACSW, LCSW Email: mailto:editor@overcoming-depression.com copyright: by Dave Turo-Shields, ACSW, LCSW Web Address: http://www.Overcoming-Depression.com Word Count: 1057 Category: DEPRESSION - SEASONAL

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE: SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

Ah yes, you can just now begin to feel cold bite in air during mornings and evenings. Soon leaves will turn all sorts of brilliant colors. The autumn season is on it's way. I love fall. It's my favorite season of year.

Unfortunately, for many who suffer from a disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), dread of upcoming change in seasons is growing.

I am writing this late summer article for those of you who struggle with seasonal depression, or have wondered if you might. I am writing now, before onset of fall season, because I want for you to be proactive before this problem gains a foothold in your life.

The research is unclear about average percentage of population that suffers from seasonal affective disorder. There has been substantial studies of those with depression, bipolar disorder and atypical depression, which show that 60% or more with these particular diagnoses have additional elevations in depression symptoms during fall and winter seasons.

We've all heard term "biological clock." We are now somewhat sure of exactly where this resides in brain. One responsibility of our biological clock is to measure amount of light that comes through our retinas. Then our nervous system communicates this information to Pineal Gland. The Pineal Gland is responsible for producing Melatonin. The more light that comes through, less Melatonin that is produced. In fall and winter, when daylight hours are much fewer, Pineal Gland produces much more Melatonin.

Ironically, Melatonin is a hormone known to have many positive benefits for us. It is prescribed for insomnia, helps with jet lag, improves immune function and is an antioxidant. The bad news for those of you who suffer from SAD is that it seems Melatonin is culprit.

The symptoms for Seasonal Affective Disorder include, but are not limited to following list:

1. Excessive eating 2. Weight gain 3. Depression 4. Excessive sleeping 5. Decreased physical activity; much more sedentary 6. Increased levels of fatigue 7. Unclear or sluggish ability to think 8. Feeling slowed down physically and mentally 9. Previous history of elevated depression in fall/winter 10. Strong cravings for sweets and starchy foods

Now, if some of this sounds familiar to you, and you're sure you do not struggle with seasonal depression it's because we all slow down some in winter. We're biologically built to go into a sort of natural hibernation mode. The difference is when symptoms listed above significantly impair several of your important life areas, such as family, social and work productivity in such a way that you are much less functional.