Ask Dr. Paula

Balancing the Ups and Downs of the Holiday Season

Dr. Paula suggests five stressors to avoid and five attitudes to embrace that will help to deal effectively with the highs and lows of a season filled with fun and festivity, yet often marred by stress and sadness.

No matter which of the winter holidays you celebrate, they all seem to share the ying and yang of ups and downs; fun and festivity; and stress and sadness. The season of lights sometimes brings on a personal season of darkness. The time of giving frequently results in feelings of loss and emptiness. Everything just results in higher highs and lower lows when we’re surrounded by the chaotic activity of a time when so much is expected of us and there seems to be so little time and energy to fulfill those expectations. Couple that with the memories and experiences of the past year, and it can result in what seems to be a dark cloud overshadowing our best efforts to focus on the season’s joy. Holiday blues can result from a number of things …

• Photos (1)

Lighten Up to Combat SAD Symptoms

Now that Daylight Savings Time is over, here are tips for those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Now that Daylight Savings Time has ended, the days are getting shorter and the reduction in natural daylight makes many feel glum. For those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, the symptoms of depression are more acute at this time of year. According to the American Lighting Association, there are some things homeowners can do to counteract the effects of SAD. Consumers might have seen light boxes promoted as a solution, however, using a light box is not a do-it-yourself project. “It’s easy to use the light boxes improperly,” said Terry McGowan, director of engineering and technology for the ALA. “Light therapy—just like any other drug or treatment regimen—should be prescribed by a physician. Part of that light prescription will …

• Photos (1)

Looking on the Light Side

You Can Overcome SAD Feelings with Local Activities

When the weather turns cold and the sky gets dark, you may start to feel the winter blues. Find what will pep you up locally.

Baby, it's cold outside — and windy, snowy and gloomy. Winter officially starts on December 21, but the winter blues may already be in season. Winter blues, also know as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a disorder that returns the same time every year bringing about feelings of sadness, anxiety and depression, according to the Mayo Clinic's website. Those with winter blues may also experience loss of energy, social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed and weight gain. All of us here in western Pennsylvania are at risk as the temperatures drop, days become short and the sun becomes scarce. It's normal for you to have a few days where you're not quite yourself, but if you experience these symptoms for more than a…

• Photos (1)