Scott Branam

MODERATOR: Thanks for joining us today. Because of server problems on HeraldTimesOnline.com, we've moved the Q&A to tmnews.com. Thanks all for you patience. Scott Branam, director of Behavioral Health Services at Bloomington Hospital, is here to answer questions on Seasonal Affective Disorder also known as “winter depression.” Send in those questions now.

Scott, thanks for joining us today. Are you ready to get started?

SCOTT BRANAM: Thanks for having me here today. I am ready

QUESTION: Hello Mr. Branam. How difficult is it for a therapist or psychiatrist do diagnose SAD when a person is admitted to a in-patient setting?

Thank you SIR!

Cletus, Bloomington

SCOTT BRANAM: diagnosing SAD is not very difficult for a mental health profession. if the issue is addressed early on an inpatient stay should be avoided. a detailed history of depressive episodes and symptoms is usually enough to diagnose and develop a treatment plan.

QUESTION: Is S.A.D in any way related to low levels of Vitamin D?

Maria, Bloomington

SCOTT BRANAM: Vitamins do have a direct impact on our health, both physically and our mental well-being. many times supplements can be very helpful in addressing these low levels

QUESTION: Hi Scott and thank you for joining us today. Like many others, I find the stress of the holidays (or "holidaze" as I call it) almost overwhelming. What are your suggestions to help get the "blahs" off the radar? The stress of the holidays, the lack of downtime and the seemingly endless gray days is enough to make someone want to move out west.

Ray, Bloomington

SCOTT BRANAM: I would begin by encouraging lower expectation of oneself as it relates to the holidays and reminding ourselves its okay to say no. making time to take care of oneself is very important - eat healthy, exercise, avoid excessive alcohol, and do not abuse drugs. make the effort to socialize and engage in those activities you enjoy but do not feel like doing now - this may require making yourself do it. it may require that we also lower our expectations of the holidays. if at all possible take that trip to a warm sunny climate.

QUESTION: Hi Scott, I've been hearing about light boxes during the winter. How effective are they? How exactly do they work and do you know if they are available locally? Thanks.

Sarah Morin, Bloomington

SCOTT BRANAM: Many people find the artificial light very helpful. in replicating sunlight, the light boxes have a positive impact of our internal clock, and melatonin and serotonin production. i am sorry, i do not know where they can be obtained locally.

QUESTION: Wht types of lighting , if any, are effective in treating SAD?

Annie Morgan, Martinsville

SCOTT BRANAM: some people find that the tanning beds are helpful in coping with SAD. allowing as much natural light into the home and office as possible. trying to get outside in the sunlight for a walk or jog can be very beneficial.

QUESTION: Each year, I have to go to Florida in January to get away from the cold and dreary weather of Indiana. I only stay for a week, but that week is strung out as long as I can make it last. What it does for me is extraordinary as far as dealing with my S.A.D. Some people are cut out for the cold, but some of us are not. Would S.A.D. qualify for medical marijuana if it were legal in Indiana?

SnowBird, Siesta Key

SCOTT BRANAM: It would likely not qualify for such use, from my perspective. the impact of the use of marijuana could likely increase some symptoms

QUESTION: Can you give a general list of the symptoms of SAD? Can it involve or lead to other illnesses?

TWD, Bloomington

SCOTT BRANAM: The list may vary slightly from person to person. the list of possible symptoms include depressed mood, hopelessness, anxiety, lack of energy, social withdrawal, oversleeping, loss of interest, changes in appetite, and poor concentration.

SAD can lead to more serious issues with mood, such as suicidal thoughts, problems at work or school, or substance abuse.

Dealing with medical problems can lead to a generalized depressed mood, and prolonged depression can impact blood pressure, acne, intestinal upset, muscle tension, and the list goes on.

QUESTION: Which is the bigger factor in determining our mood: The weather itself, or the stress of the holidays? Are there differences in how someone with SAD might be treated?

J.J. Perry, Bloomington

SCOTT BRANAM: I really believe it depends on the individual. the decrease in sunlight can effect the biological clock in some individuals, which leads to the body thinking it should be sleeping more. The decrease in sunlight also may contribute to a decrease in the production of melatonin which impacts sleep patterns. Decreased sunlight may also lead to the decrease of serotonin production, which acts as a natural mood stabilizer. the holidays add an addition stress to many people. this may come in the form of the pressure to get it all done and unresolved family issues; all the while the holiday music, ads, and TV specials are telling you that if you aren't happy something is wrong with you.

QUESTION: The air in our home gets pretty dry in the winter with the heat on and very cold/dry air outside which leads to dry sinuses at night. Any tips? A humidifier maybe?

TWD, Bloomington

SCOTT BRANAM: I would try the humidifier. Anything that is going to interfere with normal sleep patterns can add to feelings of depressed mood.

QUESTION: How long has SAD been a so-called "real" illness? What changed to prompt people to recognize it? When I was a kid, people just said "Snap out of it.!"

Andrea Murray, Bloomington

SCOTT BRANAM: Seasonal Affective Disorder has been recognized as a legitimate disorder for the last 10 to 15 years. As with any progression of mood disorders, making it into a mainstream diagnosis takes time and research, and even longer for the general public to accept it. We still find people thinking that others should be able to snap out of the winter blues, or thinking they should be able to do so on their own.

MODERATOR: Thanks everyone for all the questions today, and thanks Scott for answering them.

Is there anything more you'd like to add?

SCOTT BRANAM: Thank you for the opportunity to be with you today. I just want to encourage everyone to find the time enjoy themselves, holidays or not. also, to remember the holidays don't have to be perfect and neither do they.