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English 1000, Chinese 1000

Feeling Blue?

2001/01/01

Psychiatric experts have identified a winter phenomenon they term "light deprivation" or "winter depression" that affects many people mainly in the northern hemisphere. Young women are for unknown reasons especially prone, often experiencing inertia, sleepiness and low spirits. They tire easily at work and are consistently inefficient.

The psychiatrists believe the condition is caused by a combination of cold weather and severely reduced sunshine over long periods. This, they say, affects the brain's sunlight-sensitive pineal body whose fibers connect with the eyeball. In some people, the cone-shaped pineal gland secretes a hormone that can influence the density of other hormones in the blood, depending on the intensity of light received by a person's eyes.

When the intensity is reduced, the pineal body secretes more of the hormone, reducing the density of thyroxin and adrenaline in the blood. As a result, some brain cells become less active, causing depression and tiredness. Doctors know that cold weather can inhibit the body's efficiency. The speed of blood circulation decreases and the brain, lacking enough energy, leads to involuntary laziness in the victim.

While there is no single drug that can cure the condition, various measures can be taken to prevent the onset of winter depression. First, artificially extend "sunshine" by brightening up your home with improved lighting, keeping all curtains fully open, and redecorating interior walls in bright colors. Food, too, plays an important role. Go for extra grain bread, beef, bananas, chocolate and any coffee that gives you a zing. At the same time, increase your vitamin intake, especially B and C, both of which are essential in helping your body to resist cold. These vitamins also give a boost to the brain and make you less emotional.

You should also become more involved in outdoor exercises. Most sports will improve blood circulation and its supply to the heart and brain, and make you feel more vigorous. Good physical activity can also help you relax, soothe your nerves and rid you of anxiety.



 
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