Thanks for taking the time to read this. I have just turned 50 and this has been a tremendous milestone for me. I do have health problems that makes my goals  and regular routines  seem impossible at times but my faith keeps me going. One of the health problems that I do have is "Seasonal Affective  Disorder" (SAD). or some may refer to this as the "Winter blues". I am told by  doctors that it is due to lack of sunlight during the Winter months and this causes a change in brain chemistry involving lowered  serotonin. It usually begins with insomnia, fatigue, lack of concentration and lack of energy. Secondly, a tremendous cravings for carbs and starches that seems uncontrollable. Next, a rapid weight gain and altered self-image. This brings about some major changes in my energy level, routines, mood, and dress size in a very short period of time.  The change comes on so quickly I have had thoughts like "who is this person that has stolen my body and my life?" My understanding for treatment is to use vitamin D and biolights or therapy lights to replace the sunlight that is missing in the  Winter. I am looking forward to trying this new treatment soon. Thanks to the show "The Doctors" having me out to the show and providing me with the therapy lights that I will be able to try a new treatment. I am hoping that  just maybe I will not have to lose 3 to 4 months of my life to the Winter blues (SAD) and the extremes I go through to get the extra weight off every year. For years during the late Fall months or early Winter months when the change from SAD would appear I would have no idea what was happening to me. I would have thoughts like "well, maybe it's because this is the month I experienced a death in the family" or maybe it's because I missed my deceased parents during the holidays", it was exhausting trying to figure out what was so wrong with me and the sudden change--searching my environment to try to make sense out of it, especially,when my life is so great! I have a great marriage, loving daughter, healthy grandchildren, close and dear long-term friends, fun hobbies, and I graduate from the  University this May.

 My photo in my profile is 2 1/2 yrs old, it was taken in the Wichita Mountains Summer in 2006. I do not look like this in the Winter. I become overweight, dreary, and depressed.  I normally  have a loving and caring demeanor, friendly, down to earth, spiritual, (and yes, I know and love God). I think communication, recreational events, and humor is a necessity and very important between true friends. I love the outdoors, especially, hiking in the mountains. I live near the Wichita Refuge and enjoy spending time there with the buffalo, bison, longhorn, hawks, eagles and occasionally I dodge  rattlesnakes that my Australian Sheppard thinks are her personal toys. I love nature and when my health is down in the Winter, my loving husband will take the time to drive me through the Wichita Mountains.