Wellspring Newsletter

Volume 2, Issue I                                                                                                                                                                 

Hank Verkaik

Hank and his wife, Nancy, were, for many years, foster parents to teenage girls. Not only did they enjoy those relationships but, over the course of time, Hank was affirmed by others that he was very good at working with the girls. A friend once said to him, “Larry Crabb really speaks your language.” So Hank read Inside Out and was impressed by Crabb’s work. At that point, Hank had worked for the State of Michigan for 30 years. When offered an early out, he retired and decided to become a coun­selor and attended Colorado Christian University where Larry Crabb worked and wrote. When asked what he most en­joyed about his work at Well­spring, Hank replied, “I’m heart­ened when I see people strug­gling to work through their is­sues, when they honestly and sincerely get to know them­selves more completely as Chris­tians and as individuals.” He also said, “When I worked for the State I was exhausted at the end of the day. Now I work 9 to 9 but I’m still energized. Energy is emitted from working with people.” Hank has been at Well­spring for 8 years. He works with teens, adults, and couples.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Some people suffer from symptoms of depression during the winter months, with symptoms subsiding during the spring and summer months. This may be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a mood dis­order associated with depression episodes and related to seasonal variations of light that affects an esti­mated half a million people every winter.

SAD was first noted before 1845, but was not officially named until the early 1980’s. As sunlight has affected the seasonal activities of animals (i.e., reproductive cycles and hibernation), SAD may be an effect of this sea­sonal light variation in humans. As seasons change, there is a shift in our “biological internal clocks” or cir­cadian rhythm, due partly to these changes in sunlight patterns. This can cause our biological clocks to be out of “step” with our daily schedules. The most difficult months for SAD sufferers are January and February, and younger persons and women are at higher risk.

Symptoms Include:

• regularly occurring symptoms of depression (excessive eating and sleeping, weight gain) during the fall or winter months.

• full remission from depression occurs in the spring and summer months.

• symptoms have occurred in the past two years, with no non-seasonal depression episodes.

• seasonal episodes substantially outnumber non-seasonal depression episodes.

• a craving for sugary and/or starchy foods.

Possible Cause of SAD

Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, has been linked to SAD. This hormone, which may cause symptoms of depression, is produced at increased levels in the dark. Therefore, when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases.

Treatments

Phototherapy or bright light therapy has been shown to suppress the brain’s secretion of melatonin. Although, there have been no research findings to definitely link this therapy with an antidepressant effect, many peo­ple respond to this treatment. The device most often used today is a bank of white fluorescent lights on a metal reflector and shield with a plastic screen. For mild symptoms, spending time outdoors during the day or arranging homes and workplaces to receive more sunlight may be helpful. One study found that an hour’s walk in winter sunlight was as effective as two and a half hours under bright artificial light.

If phototherapy doesn’t work, an antidepressant drug may prove effective in reducing or eliminating SAD symptoms, but there may be unwanted side effects to consider. Discuss your symptoms thoroughly with your family doctor and/or mental health professional.

For More Information:

Contact your local Mental Health Association, community mental health center, or:

TIPS FOR COPING WITH THE “WINTER BLUES’

•      Wear a warm jacket, gloves, hat, wool socks and water proof boots to stay warm and dry.

•      Keep busy. Keep moving. Do things that are enjoyable regardless of the season. Involve yourself with in­door and outdoor hobbies and interests. Get as much fresh air and sunlight as possible. Remember to keep your head covered when it’s really cold. You can lose 30 to 50 percent of body heat otherwise.

•      Go for a walk when the sun does shine. Studies have shown that a 60-minute walk alleviates SAD symp­toms in 50 per cent of sufferers. The good news is that a walk seems to work even on a cloudy day. So summon up the willpower.

•      Wear layers of clothes rather than heavy pieces to avoid feeling weighed down.

•      Wear brightly colored clothes. Color will give you a real lift. You might be surprised at how many of your friends and family will admire you for bringing color into your life and wardrobe. Who knows, you could start your own fashion statement and trends. Dare to be different, dare to be yourself!

•      Turn on some upbeat music. Play worship and praise music. Sing to the Lord.

•      Maintain a normal sleep schedule. Keep your body on a normal sleep schedule throughout the year. Don’t sleep more during the winter even if you feel more fatigued. Increasing activities, such as walking, can help to reduce fatigue by improving your stamina.

•      Eat well-balanced meals. You may be craving carbohydrates, but don’t forget proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Your mind and body are partners in this process. Eat foods rich in complex carbohy­drates (i.e. pasta) to keep energy levels high.

•      Keep the lights on in your home. Staying in dim lighting may add to your feeling of depression and in­crease your desire to withdraw from family and friends. Keep bushes around your windows trimmed to allow light to come inside. Open the window curtains. Use bright colors on walls and upholstery. Let in as much light as possible at your home and at work. If possible, move your desk or workplace to the lightest part of the room.

•      Bring color into where you live. Paint a room with bright cheerful colors. Bring flowers into your home, fresh when possible, dried or even artificial ones when it’s not. Surround yourself with beauty.

•      Try taking a winter vacation. If possible, take a break and go somewhere warm and sunny.

•      Try something new and challenging such as a dance class or rock climbing session—anything that you’ve been wanting to try or experience.

•      Start a hobby like sewing, woodworking, ceramics, quilting, letter writing, painting or indoor gardening.

•      Visit a greenhouse at a local botanical garden. The warmth and brightness will lift your mood.

•      Develop a personal plan of action to help yourself maximize the opportunities to enjoy the beauty God created in the fall and winter seasons.

•      Stay involved socially with friends, school and church activities, and outside organizations.

•      Invite friends or family over for a meal, or dessert, or to play games, or to worship together, etc.

•       Use scripture and positive affirmations to lift your mood and keep you balanced and centered.

Wellspring Counseling Services
Executive Office Park, Suite 108
5030 Northwind Drive
East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone 517-336-4335
FAX: 517-336-0101