Feeling Blue This Winter? According To A New Survey, You're Not Alone

Main Category: Depression
Also Included In: Bipolar;  Psychology / Psychiatry
Article Date: 07 Jan 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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The post-holiday season can produce a feeling of fullness and warmth -- but not for all. For many, this time is often the darkest of the year as winter has settled in for a long, dreary stay. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive(R) on behalf of Nature Made(R) MoodPlus(R) SAM-e(1) has brought confirmation to many U.S. adults' suspicions: winter blues are not a myth. Nearly two thirds of U.S. adults (64 percent) agree that they are usually in a better mood during the summer than the winter.

Additional findings from the Nature Made MoodPlus SAM-e survey provide further insights into this gray season including:

Stress Increases:

About half of U.S. adults say their stress levels increase approaching the holiday season (53 percent).

Finding Comfort Helps:

When adults' moods are low, many try to lift their spirits by spending time with friends and/or family (57 percent), going out (51 percent), or exercising (43 percent).

More Women are Affected than Men:

Nearly half of women (47 percent) said they often experience the blues during the winter months, compared with 39 percent of men.

What does this mean for Americans combating a case of the winter blues? Registered dietitian Deralee Scanlon suggests that the survey findings offer hope to those looking forward to a happier winter. "It is encouraging to learn that about half of adults engage in healthy activities. While it may seem more difficult to stay active during the colder months, it is vital to our physical and mental well-being."

For an extra boost, Deralee recommends incorporating a natural mood lifting supplement to help lift low winter moods. S-adenosylmethionine, better known as SAM-e, is a naturally occurring compound produced by the body and found in all living cells. Clinical studies show a direct correlation between low levels of SAM-e and low mood. Deralee asserts that not all SAM-e supplements are created equally: "I personally recommend Nature Made MoodPlus SAM-e because it is the brand used in most American-based clinical trials."

Deralee also advises eating mood-boosting foods during the season known for overeating: "Certain foods, like too much saturated fat, can lower mood, while super mood foods, such as fish rich in omega 3s, foods high in protein and leafy green vegetables, can help combat winter blues." Ultimately, Deralee encourages adults to make a personal goal to get plenty of exercise, eat a well-balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables, spend quality time with loved ones and try to get outdoors to make sure you are getting enough sunlight.

Deralee always recommends consulting with a health care professional first to develop a personalized strategy for combating low moods. For more mood-boosting tips, real life stories and information about vitamins and supplements, visit http://www.naturemade.com.

ABOUT PHARMAVITE

For more than 30 years, Pharmavite has earned and maintained the trust of pharmacists, consumers, and retailers by manufacturing high-quality vitamins, minerals, herbs and other dietary supplements that are safe, effective and science-based. As an industry leader, Pharmavite adheres to manufacturing standards recommended by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a not-for-profit organization that has set pharmaceutical and dietary supplement quality standards since 1820. In addition, Pharmavite participates in USP's Verification Program for dietary supplements. The dietary supplement industry is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission, as well as by government agencies in each of the 50 states.

ABOUT HARRIS INTERACTIVE

Harris Interactive is the 12th largest and fastest-growing market research firm in the world. The company provides research-driven insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident decisions, which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll, one of the longest running, independent opinion polls and for pioneering online market research methods. The company has built what it believes to be the world's largest panel of survey respondents, the Harris Poll Online. Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its United States, Europe and Asia offices, its wholly-owned subsidiary Novatris in France and through a global network of independent market research firms. The service bureau, HISB, provides its market research industry clients with mixed-mode data collection, panel development services as well as syndicated and tracking research consultation. More information about Harris Interactive may be obtained at http://www.harrisinteractive.com.

To become a member of the Harris Poll Online and be invited to participate in online surveys, register at http://go.hpolsurveys.com/PR.

(1) Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Nature Made between October 16 and October 18 among 2,384 adults (aged 18 and over). Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online.

With a pure probability sample of 2,384 one could say with a ninety-five percent probability that the overall results would have a sampling error of +/-3 percentage points. Sampling error for data based on sub-samples would be higher and would vary. However, that does not take other sources of error into account. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

Pharmavite
http://www.harrisinteractive.com