“This is the time of the year when days are noticeably shorter, and that absence of light in the late-afternoon hours really seems to affect some people—they feel an acute lowering of their mood,” says Erik Nelson, MD, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience who specializes in mood disorders and depression at UC Health Psychiatry in Clifton.

“Additionally, the holidays can play a role in depression. some people might have painful memories related to loss of loved ones or stressful childhoods. These are memories with a lot of emotional and psychological significance, and the holidays tend to bring that out.”

When assessing a patient for winter depression, Nelson says, it’s important to determine what triggers their feelings before prescribing a course of treatment.

Some people, for instance, might feel fine for most of the year but report feelings of depression as the days grow shorter. In such cases, known as winter-onset seasonal affective disorder (SAD), treatment with a light box, known as therapeutic light, can be affective.

Symptoms of winter-onset SAD include depressed mood, changes in appetite and weight, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep (often oversleeping) and loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities.

As with any mood disorder, Nelson says, “If the condition is interfering with your normal life, it’s time to seek help.”

Therapeutic light involves a specially designed lamp giving off an intensity of light that mimics the full spectrum and intensity of sunlight. Such devices are generally used for about 15 to 30 minutes in the morning, with the light shining indirectly on the person’s face, and can be used while he or she is involved in another activity such as reading or exercising.

The antidepressant  bupropion (trade name Wellbutrin) has been approved by the FDA to treat seasonal major depressive episodes, but the proper medication for any individual case should be determined in consultation with a physician. another treatment option is cognitive behavioral therapy, a pragmatic interactive therapy that has the goal of changing specific thoughts and behaviors.

Moreover, some people who are already being treated for depression notice a worsening of their symptoms during the winter months. if this appears to be related to the decreased hours of daylight, adding light therapy to the person’s current treatments for depression is often helpful, Nelson says.

For worsening of depression that appears to be related to the emotions or stress associated with the holidays, Nelson says, a change in the person’s current regimen, which would typically include psychotherapy and/or antidepressant medication, would be the likely course of treatment.

“There are a lot of factors that can affect a person’s mood this time of year, and it is helpful to assess the likely cause to determine the best course of treatment such as therapeutic light, medications, psychotherapy or behavioral changes that can be made.”

If people have milder seasonal symptoms that do not reach the level of a major depressive episode, Nelson says, they should try exercise and getting outdoors more to see if that helps their symptoms.

Provided by University of Cincinnati (news : web)

Okay. Three days ago I slipped off my fence and scratched my toe on a rusty nail. at first I cleaned it with one of those wipey things used to clean wounds. then I later like an hour later cleaning it with hydrogen peroxide and have done few times every time I want to change my band-aids. I've kept my foot protected, cleaned, the past three days. Since tonight after I took a shower, I left it bandaged and kept any socks off so it my wound breathe.

The night I cut my toe, my mom told me that I could get a disease from it. of course I looked it up, found out it was Tetanus I could get. I got so worried, imagining I had it. then, I absolutely felt lost when I found out theres no cure.

The symptoms I have had are first, only a day after I cut my toe (I cut my toe in the late afternoon btw) I had difficulty breathing. I still do. The next symptom I had was last night, sweating. and final, this morning I had to go diarrhea.

HOWEVER…

I talked to my mom asked her if I could have Tetanus. she said no, because..

1. I got my Tetanus shot when I was about 4-5. It should have lasted 12 years meaning it's still protecting.

2. there are no signs that my foot is infected. I have no red streaks by it, no puffiness, nothing it's only healed.

3. Although I've been having the symptoms, she said it's all in my imagination that I am overreacting. which is true, I've felt completely LOST the past few days. I'm already feeling better, breathing better, once I knew I might not have it.

Do I have Tetanus or not? Is my mom correct?

I know for a fact stress can cause me to feel the way I am.

Tetnus bacilli has to be on the item you scratched your foot on. It has nothing to do with the rust. Tetnus is found in dirt, so dirty areas could be a potential problem. However, you have a superficial wound which is easier to clean. You did clean it as stated. Puncture wounds like stepping on a nail would be more dangerous and harder to clean out. Tetnus only last for 10 years and as the years go by immunity wanes and the closer you get to the 10 years the less immunity you have, then if you get a wound that is suspect it warrants a tetnus booster. It's recommended you see a doctor if you feel sick or have concerns.

Tetnus is not as deadly as it once was, because they can give you a antitoxin now even after symptoms develop. This will neutralize the tetnus toxin, but the recovery period depending on the severity can be long and very painful. Remember go see your doctor as this info is just educational and no one on this site is a doctor.

PS. also the poster above statement is a bit erroneous as to say that only those symptoms listed are of concern. first of all you need to know everyone is different and may not exhibited the typical signs listed in order. so keep it in mind if you feel sick in any way or form you should seek out medical attention. people read stuff on websites and assume. I am a nurse I've seen tetnus.

RN