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 The
Body Blues About
the Body Blues
Dr. Marie-Annette Brown, a noted expert
in both women's and mental health from the University of
Washington, was the first to identify and research the mood
disorder called the "Body Blues." Here she answers
come common questions about this condition and its treatment
using the breakthrough LEVITY
Program.
What is the Body Blues?
The Body Blues is a relatively mild but
under-diagnosed condition that mirrors the "vegetative"
symptoms of depression - things like eating too much, low
energy, irritability, and difficulties with sleep or concentration.
It isn't life threatening, but can certainly be life-limiting,
interfering with relationships, self-esteem and a person's
enjoyment of life.
What causes the Body Blues?
Any variety of everyday stressors. Especially
right now, things like the winter doldrums, post-holiday
blues, even the ongoing stress of September 11 could be
contributing to the Body Blues. Lifestyle factors can also
play a role. You increase your risk for Body Blues if you
get insufficient amounts of sunlight, exercise and key nutrients.
Who is most likely to suffer the Body
Blues? Why?
Body Blues primarily affects women. In
fact, an estimated 1 in 4 women is suffering from the Body
Blues right now. Women are at increased risk for two reasons:
- Cyclical estrogen levels. Hormonal
highs and lows can produce food cravings or make women
feel tired, stressed or irritable.
- Brain's chemical response to
stress. Women produce serotonin-the brain's feel-good
chemical-more slowly than men, which can slow their body's
healthy response to stressful situations.
Could I have the Body Blues and not
know it?
Absolutely. The Body Blues is the most
misdiagnosed and under-treated mood condition among women.
Many health professionals are trained to look for serious
depression, but not the more subtle signs of Body Blues.
To find out if you have the Body Blues, take our Body
Blues Quiz.
How does the Body Blues differ from
clinical depression?
Body Blues is a much milder condition.
People with Body Blues exhibit some of the same vegetative
symptoms as those with clinical depression. However, people
with Body Blues don't express a profound sadness, which
we usually find in cases of full-blown, clinical depression.
 How do I treat the Body Blues?
With something we call the LEVITY program.
It's a three-step plan that consists of:
- Taking LEVITY
dietary supplements, a specialized combination
of key B-vitamins, folic acid, selenium, and vitamin D
- Going for a brisk outdoor walk,
20 minutes a day, five days a week
- Getting more bright light during
the day, but less at night
How effective is this treatment?
The LEVITY Program is the first ever
non-prescription plan proven effective for treating the
Body Blues. In a recent test program, participants had fewer
eating problems, felt more energetic, less tense and irritable,
and better able to cope with stress after just 8 weeks.
Women's depression scores were cut in half; plus average
scores on "well-being" moved from the worst possible
to the best possible category.
Is the treatment difficult to do?
The treatment of light, exercise and
the LEVITY vitamins integrates easily into most women's'
current lifestyles. And because it works very quickly (often
in as little as two weeks) people become increasingly motivated
to stay with the program.
Is this treatment as effective as
prescription antidepressants?
The research
results of the LEVITY Program are the kind that
one expects from state-of-the-art antidepressants. However,
there are a variety of antidepressant therapies tailored
to address specific health conditions. Your doctor can recommend
the right prescription or non-prescription therapy for you,
depending on your condition.
Are there people who don't respond
to this treatment? Is this treatment dangerous or not recommended
for certain individuals?
The LEVITY Program was designed to treat
the "Body Blues", a condition that mirrors the
vegetative symptoms of mild depression. People with more
severe symptoms may have a more serious form of depression,
or possibly a different illness altogether. They should
seek their doctor's advice on the best course of treatment.
For individuals already taking medication
for depression, or for women who are pregnant or nursing,
we recommend that they consult their health practitioner
before embarking on the program.
Can't I just take a multi-vitamin
along with increasing sunlight and exercise?
No. Although a multi-vitamin is good
for overall health, a multi-vitamin does not typically contain
the nutrients and dosages proven effective in the LEVITY
Program.
Is the vitamin combination in the
Levity Program available in a single formula?
Yes. The actual product used in the study,
Levity Mood Elevating Supplement, is available from Geneva
Health & Nutrition. This is a more convenient and inexpensive
way to obtain the vitamins we recommend. (However, please
note that neither I nor my co-author benefit from the sale
of this product). [Note: Visit the Resources
page for information on where to find the supplement]
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