Dear Subscriber,

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months, when there is less natural sunlight, with a return to "normal" mood in the spring and summer. While the depressive symptoms are often mild to moderate, some people can suffer severe depression. Be alert to the following warning signs:

• Oversleeping
• Daytime fatigue
• Craving sweets and starchy foods
• Weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed

• Uncovering Major Depressive Disorder Don't Let SAD Get You Down This Season Psychiatric Crash Cart Treatment Strategies for the Emergency Department The Efficacy of Nutrition and Lifestyle Approaches in the Treatment of Depression Depression Revealed: The Need for Screening, Treatment, and Monitoring   A Holistic Approach to Severe Depression: My Story

  Avoidance of social situations
• Symptoms associated with other forms of depression, such as feelings of guilt or hopelessness as well as physical symptoms

Read more about depression by exploring the articles in More Resources. Also, be on the lookout for our next issue for American Heart Month.

Lisa Bonsall, MSN, RN, CRNP
Clinical Editor

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On October 19th, 2009, the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists presented testimony to the RWJF Future of Nursing Initiative. NACNS member, Margaret Talley, spoke to the Forum on the Future of Nursing: Acute Care Committee on the critically important role of Clinical Nurse Specialists in acute care. “The leadership and members of the NACNS applaud the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for their excellent and timely support for increasing and enhancing the nursing workforce at this crucial time when fundamental reforms to healthcare are being considered.” For full access to the NACNS testimony, click here.