The research also suggested that the longer a patient suffers with feeling of sadness or being depressed, the stronger the relationship with breast cancer becomes.  The research is published in the journals Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health.

The risk of breast cancer is increased by as much as 12% for women who wrestle with depression.  Another study found that these women are more than two and a half times more likely to develop breast cancer than those who are not depressed.

These findings are extremely disturbing.  One problem is that the news itself is depressing.  It seems like the unhappy souls that are afflicted with this are trapped in a vicious cycle.

One idea might be to be more proactive in taking steps to overcome depression.  Much easier to say than accomplish, I’m sure, but definitely worth a try.  Especially for the loved ones who care about these women.

Two resources I’ve seen recently are the world laughter tour, an online resource that focuses on the power of laughter to improve our health; and emotion release, a new resource for learning how to overcome mild depression and feelings of sadness.

The threat of breast cancer is a constant enemy lurking in the shadows of many women’s lives.  The fact that depression can be a contributing factor is even more unsettling.

So take what steps you can to change your mood (or help someone you love to change theirs).  The long-term effects of their unhappiness can take a bigger toll on their health than we realize.

Stay Healthy.

The New York Times reported recently that a condition known as "seasonal affective disorder," (SAD), may be the culprit behind much of the negativity that occurs around this time of year.  Researchers found that the waning sunlight affected the secretion of melatonin in the brain, which resulted in a decrease in energy and symptoms associated with depression.

One remedy that is being used successfully to combat the effects of SAD is the use of artificial light known as phototherapy.  Exposure to bright light has a significant impact on reducing the negative symptoms of SAD. The standard course is 30 minutes of fluorescent soft-white light at 10,000 lux a day.

If you find yourself feeling down during the holidays, you might want to try this simple, but effective, remedy to combat feelings of sadness or lack of energy.  Or you could just head off for a sunny tropical vacation. (This would be my choice if time and my budget allowed.)

Many Blessings on you and your loved ones this holiday season.

Tim