5 Tips for Battling the Winter Blues According to Psychotherapist Mary Jo Rapini

HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Estimated to affect millions of Americans during late fall and subside
in sunnier months, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is depression,
causing mood and appetite changes, lethargy, and irritability. But,
these symptoms can also occur in men with ‘borderline’ androgen
deficiency (low testosterone) and a decline in estrogen in menopausal
women.

“So, don’t misunderstand this annual seasonal feeling as just a case of
the ‘winter blues’ that you need to tough out on your own,” says Mary
Jo Rapini, a licensed psychotherapist and co-author of Re-Coupling:
A Couple’s 4-step Guide to Greater Intimacy and Better Sex.
If you have mild winter blues, try these remedies:

1. Increase Vitamin-D: Vitamin-D deficiencies have been linked to
a wide variety of illnesses, including depression. Just 15 minutes of
exposure to natural sunlight daily is important for nutrition and
essential for mental health, bone density, vitamin D production and
other health benefits. Ask your doctor to check your vitamin D level and
take a vitamin D3 supplement if it’s too low.

2. Light box therapy: Sitting directly in front of an intense
light for 15 to 20 minutes at the same time daily can alleviate seasonal
symptoms.

3. Diet and chocolate: Diet is critical for managing mood.
Control carbohydrates, opt for vegetables and keep meals light. Chocolate
can affect serotonin and positively affect mood. Don’t give in to
cravings for foods high in carbohydrates as weight gain adds to the urge
to be a ‘couch potato’ with feelings of sadness.

4. Stronvivo,
a nutritional supplement, combines L-Carnitine, L-Arginine
and other targeted amino acids and minerals to naturally aid with
depressive symptoms by improving the health of blood vessels, arteries,
veins and capillaries that break down during the aging process. By
increasing blood flow, nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the brain,
muscles, organs, and skin to aid depression, enhance energy, improve
circulation and boost brain function. L-Arginine,
which supports healthy hormone levels, is also abundant in meat, fish,
poultry and dairy products.

5. Exercise: Regular exercise, even a morning or noontime walk,
is good for any type of depression including SAD.

“Consult with your doctor to determine the actual cause of your
depression or other symptoms to determine the best course of treatment,”
adds Rapini.

Contacts

For MaryJoRapini.com
Gayla Kirshner, 713-721-4774
Gayla@gcomworks.com