The importance of light

Hi guys,

I will like to talk about something that is so important to everyone however not readily available to many.

Let's talk about the importance of Light and light therapy?
Yes, you heard me right!
Light and Light therapy.

The truth is that living in a third world country like Nigeria, light, also known as electricity, is a luxury that many don't have. Mind you not that they can't afford it but the government refuse to supply enough to go around and most importantly, constant.

So haven't said this, I would like to talk about the importance of Light and why light therapy is needed in a country like mine.

Even the world was created to have both light and darkness. Light is energy and it is used for everything under the sun. For food processing, for chemical reactions both in plants and animals etc. If you ask how, then this blog isn't for you.

Anyway, light from the sun was the first light, then man discovered fire, and yet again discovered electricity.
If light was important to the existence of human, many years of innovation will not be needed.

What is light therapy?

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a treatment in which you’re exposed to an artificial light source. The therapy primarily treats major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns (formerly known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD). This is a type of depression that occurs during a certain time of year, usually winter. Light is also used to treat other conditions, including sleep disorders and other types of depression.

How it works

Typically, light therapy is meant to compensate for the lack of exposure to sunlight that is thought to be linked to major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns. You’ll sit near a light box, which emits strong light. The light usually mimics natural sunlight, but there can be variations. A unit of measure called a lux gauges the amount of light used in a treatment. The standard output of a light box is between 2,500 and 10,000 lux.

Treatments usually begin in the fall and continue until early spring. Sessions commonly last from 10 to 15 minutes. The length of the session depends on how well you handle the treatment and the strength of the light box. Someone new to the method may be given shorter initial treatments. The more powerful the light box, the shorter the treatment session can be.

Why light therapy is effective is still being studied. One theory is that light naturally triggers the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is the “feel-good” brain chemical. Some experts believe that success with light therapy is due to a placebo effect.

Side effects

There are side effects to light therapy, including headache and sunburn. Usually, these are not serious. Most side effects can be dealt with by adjusting the duration and intensity of the sessions. Other treatments that can alleviate side effects include:

eye drops

nasal drops

sunscreen

If you’re considering this therapy, you should consult a physician if you have any of the following conditions:

sensitive skin

eye conditions

a history of skin cancer

Pros of light therapy

Light therapy has many positive aspects. The treatment can also be done at home using rented or purchased light boxes.

Light therapy is

noninvasive

safe

convenient

associated with few or mild side effects

Cons of light therapy

The negative aspects of light therapy are the side effects and complications that can occur. These include:

headache

insomnia

sunburn

fatigue

dry eyes and nose

hypomania, an extended period of heightened mood

What the expert says

Dr. Carl Vincent, a psychologist in Moline, Illinois, suggests that light therapy be used with other treatments, such as psychotherapy or a drug regimen. “The idea is that it could be used as a supplemental therapy,” Vincent says. “In addition to treatment, people suffering from depression in the winter months should try to be more active. Winter is a time when people tend to be more sedentary, and getting more exercise can help improve mood.”

The takeaway

Light therapy is used to treat major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns, sleep disorders, and other types of depression. It is often effective, though doctors do not know exactly why. It can have a number of side effects, most of which can be effectively alleviated. Talk to your doctor if you feel light therapy might be useful for you.

THE SILENT KILLER – DEPRESSION (MENTAL HEALTH) --- PART 2

Hey guys, On the last post we talked about depression.We looked at what depression is and instances of depression. Here, we are going to look at the causes, types and likely treatments of depression.

What Causes Depression? There are a number of factors that may increase the chance of depression, including the following: • ABUSE: Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can increase the vulnerability to clinical depression later in life. With an increase in rape cases and domestic abuses across Nigeria, no wonder the rate of depression continue to increase. • CERTAIN MEDICATIONS: Some drugs, such as isotretinoin (used to treat acne), the antiviral drug interferon-alpha, and corticosteroids, can increase your risk of depression. • CONFLICT: Depression in someone who has the biological vulnerability to develop depression may result from personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends. • DEATH OR A LOSS: Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved one, though natural, may increase the risk of depression. • GENETICS: A family history of depression may increase the risk. It's thought that depression is a complex trait, meaning that there are probably many different genes that each exert small effects, rather than a single gene that contributes to disease risk. The genetics of depression, like most psychiatric disorders, are not as simple or straightforward as in purely genetic diseases such as Huntington's chorea or cystic fibrosis. • MAJOR EVENTS: Even good events such as starting a new job, graduating, or getting married can lead to depression. So can moving, losing a job or income, getting divorced, or retiring. With the advert of coronavirus, people are losing loved ones, losing their jobs, homes, businesses and so on. However, the syndrome of clinical depression is never just a "normal" response to stressful life events. • OTHER PERSONAL PROBLEMS: Problems such as social isolation due to other mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or social group can contribute to the risk of developing clinical depression. • SERIOUS ILLNESSES: Sometimes depression co-exists with a major illness or may be triggered by another medical condition. • SUBSTANCE ABUSE: Nearly 30% of people with substance abuse problems also have major or clinical depression.

Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique circumstances, such as: 1. PERSISTENT DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (also called dysthymia) is a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years. A person diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder may have episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms, but symptoms must last for two years to be considered persistent depressive disorder. 2. POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION is much more serious than the “baby blues” (relatively mild depressive and anxiety symptoms that typically clear within two weeks after delivery) that many women experience after giving birth. Women with postpartum depression experience full-blown major depression during pregnancy or after delivery (postpartum depression). The feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that accompany postpartum depression may make it difficult for these new mothers to complete daily care activities for themselves and/or for their babies. 3. PSYCHOTIC depression occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false fixed beliefs (delusions) or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations). The psychotic symptoms typically have a depressive “theme,” such as delusions of guilt, poverty, or illness. 4. SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. This depression generally lifts during spring and summer. Winter depression, typically accompanied by social withdrawal, increased sleep, and weight gain, predictably returns every year in seasonal affective disorder. 5. BIPOLAR DISORDER is different from depression, but it is included in this list is because someone with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of extremely low moods that meet the criteria for major depression (called “bipolar depression”). But a person with bipolar disorder also experiences extreme high – euphoric or irritable – moods called “mania” or a less severe form called “hypomania.” If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression: • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood • Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism • Irritability • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities • Decreased energy or fatigue • Moving or talking more slowly • Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions • Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping • Appetite and/or weight changes • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts • Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience only a few symptoms while others may experience many. Several persistent symptoms in addition to low mood are required for a diagnosis of major depression, but people with only a few – but distressing – symptoms may benefit from treatment of their “subsyndromal” depression. The severity and frequency of symptoms and how long they last will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness. Symptoms may also vary depending on the stage of the illness Though there are multiple types of depression, many of them have similar recognizable symptoms. Experiencing some combination of these symptoms for a period of at least two weeks likely signifies that you are in the midst of a depressive episode.

TREATMENT Any treatment for depression should coincide with a healthy diet and regular sleep schedule. It may sound simplistic, but the importance of taking care of your body cannot be overstated. There are various methods you could use to sooth the symptoms of depression. All of us could stand to exercise more often, but exercise is especially helpful for the depressed mind. It enables you to better handle stress, and the endorphins released during exercise give you a mental boost. Aside from the mental health benefits, reports have shown that physical activity helps you sleep better at night. Yoga is a more accessible form of exercise, because it doesn’t require equipment and because many of the moves and poses do not require much effort. Meditation is a highly effective way of clearing your head and calming your body. It’s also easy to do, with guided meditations available through phone apps, online in text and videos, and in books. If you enjoy keeping a journal, you may find that it helps to express your thoughts on paper instead of bottling them inside. It’s helpful to have close friends and family who you can confide in, but they’re not always available or may be dealing with stress of their own. This makes keeping a journal a good idea to have an alternate way to vent. Therapy with anyone from a guidance counselor to a certified therapist can work wonders, and many may prefer therapy to the medication route. Situational depression especially can be relieved, by having a way to get everything off your chest and receive practical advice. For a more hands-on approach, try experts like psychiatrists or psychologists. They offer many types of therapy, from light therapy (check next post on this) for Seasonal Affective Disorder to cognitive behavioral therapy that works to change your thought processes. Other alternatives include drinking special teas or taking supplements. The properties of green tea and chamomile tea give a calming effect. There is no shame in taking medication to manage your depression. People routinely take medication for physical ailments, and a mental illness isn’t any different. If you’re worried about the possible side effects, call your doctor to discuss them. Any medication can be tapered down or ceased, and there are different types available to suit your individual needs and chemistry. Remember that recovery is a journey, not a destination. Bad days will still come, but with well-targeted treatment, you should be able to overcome extreme lows. While science has yet to find a cure for mental disorders such as depression, it is entirely possible to live a happy and fulfilling life in spite of it. Remember, no storm, not even the one in your life can last forever. The storm is just passing over. Stay Connected Real and True You Gal, Gentlehawk

THE SILENT KILLER - DEPRESSION (MENTAL HEALTH) --- PART 1

Hey guys, Would like to talk about something that has been bugging me for some time now. Maybe because this specific issue has been making headlines lately or maybe because I have had my own share of it or maybe it is because it’s been with us for such a long time, yet we refuse to talk about it. But before I start, here is a disclaimer. I am not qualified medically to give advice. All information stated has been through personal experience, research and professional opinions. So don’t crucify me. Also this is a part 1 of a part 2 series.

DEPRESSION!!! The silent killer and it’s taking more lives than any war or disease combined. Many a times, I hear people say stuff like, "Why is he depressed, he/she is rich or has a job or is married or has children or has everything I want? He/She's just tripping". If only they know and understand that been depressed is not out of wants/needs - But a state of mind. But firstly let’s take a look at what depression is. Depression (majorly known as depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks. Being depressed often feels like carrying a very heavy burden, but you are not alone in this struggle. Millions of people suffer from some form of depression every year, making it one of the most common mental disorders in the world. Depression knows no gender, race, colour, status etc. More than 9mill cases per year in Nigeria alone and these statistics are growing by the minute. Though depression is treatable by a medical profession, if caught early and the patient is willing. Kindly note KEYWORD – CAUGHT EARLY AND WILLING PATIENT. Medium term is resolved within months, which usually requires a medical diagnosis.

So, back to my home country Nigeria, according to an article written by Stanley Akpunonu for the Guardian newspaper to commemorate the world health day in 2018, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)-Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (SURPI) in collaboration with Medical and Dental Council Association of Nigeria (MDCN) and Association of Psychiatrist of Nigeria (APN) have continued to raise awareness on how depression can be curtailed so as to avert increasing cases of suicide. Consultant Psychiatrist Yaba, Dr. Taiwo Akindipe, in his remark said depression is an illness that is treatable and contrary to popular belief, it is not due to weakness, and it is not something you can wish away. It is important to know at what time you will draw the line. When we look at depression, it is related to mood; we have range of emotions fluctuate. It is normal to feel sad, but how do you know depression is about to set in. Core symptoms of depression involve lost of interest in known hobby and loss of energy. Tired of participating in actions he derives joy from. Not all symptoms come at a time. Other symptoms include: • Unable to sleep • Not getting enough sleep or sleeping too much • Loss of appetite for food and if it persists one begin to lose weight • Total loss of interest in sexual relationship

If a student finds it difficult to concentrate, they might have symptoms that can affect the thinking and they begin to feel guilty of imaginary things. A Child Psychiatrist at LUTH, Dr. Yewande Oshodi, said children and adolescent due to stages in development go through depression and it comes in children with change of behaviour, like not wanting to go to school and physical symptoms like stomach pain and head ache. It actually switches to a time they begin to take care of themselves by self-medicating or alcohol. Dr. Oshodi said it is important we talk about depression because risk of suicide is high in children; she encouraged parents and guardian to explore their feelings with them that they could be passing through, peer pressure, bully or the child might be going through abuse. It is worth noting that attempted suicide is more in women but completed suicide is more in men because men act like all is well but women might want to discuss about the problem.

Click this link to take a test to determine whether if you are battling depression. https://www.psycom.net/depression-test/ https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/causes-depression#1 The good news is that one can overcome it. And to overcome it, one needs to first understand that the road to recovery is a marathon and not a sprint. It is a day at a time. And the road to recovery is relative as the time. In the concluding part of this series, we will look at what are the likely causes of depression, types of depressions and likely treatments. Remember, you are strong, you are beautiful, you are resilient, you are loved, you are capable, you are not weak, you are not defected, you are not weird, you are awesome, you are YOU! Stay Connected Real and True You Gal, Gentlehawk