Piano Guidance
Photo by Jhefferson  Santos Pexels Logo Photo: Jhefferson Santos

What is the sadness hormone?

In people with SAD, a lack of sunlight and a problem with certain brain chemicals stops the hypothalamus working properly. The lack of light is thought to affect: the production of the hormone melatonin. the production of the hormone serotonin.

How much is a Bosendorfer piano?
How much is a Bosendorfer piano?

Bösendorfer Imperial Concert Grand pianos, handcrafted in Austria, retail for between US$256,000 and $560,000 in the U.S., depending on finish,...

Read More »
Which pianos hold their value?
Which pianos hold their value?

Grand pianos typically hold value the most. This is mainly because they are so expensive that they are considered a valuable asset. Steinway pianos...

Read More »

Depending on the nature and severity of your symptoms, your GP will recommend the most suitable treatment option for you. This may involve using a combination of treatments to get the best results.

NICE recommendations

This includes using talking treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or medication, such as antidepressants (see below). Light therapy is also a popular treatment for SAD. There is no strong evidence to support the long-term benefits of using light therapy to treat SAD, although research does suggest that it may have a positive short-term effect. See the NICE guidance about the treatment and managment of depression in adults.

Psychosocial treatments

Psychosocial treatments focus on both psychological aspects (how your brain functions) and social aspects (how you interact with others). Some possible psychosocial treatments are described below.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) starts with the idea that your problems are often created by you. It is not the situation itself that is making you unhappy, but how you think about it and how you react to it. Changing how you think about certain situations will help you change your behaviour so that the situation no longer makes you feel unhappy. CBT involves having a number of sessions with a specially trained therapist, usually over several weeks or months. Your programme could be:

an individual programme of self-help

a programme designed for you and your partner (if your depression is affecting your relationship) a group programme that you complete with other people who are in a similar situation a computer-based CBT programme that is tailored to your needs and supported by a trained therapist

Counselling and psychodynamic psychotherapy

Counselling is another type of talking therapy that involves talking to a trained counsellor about your worries and problems. During psychodynamic psychotherapy, you discuss how you feel about yourself and others and you talk about experiences in your past. The aim of the sessions is to find out whether anything in your past is affecting how you feel today.

Does Bakelite contain formaldehyde?
Does Bakelite contain formaldehyde?

A hard, infusible, and chemically resistant plastic, Bakelite was based on a chemical combination of phenol and formaldehyde (phenol-formaldehyde...

Read More »
Can you accidentally plagiarize a song?
Can you accidentally plagiarize a song?

Contrary to popular myth, there is no maximum number of notes you can copy 'legally'. If your song sounds recognisably like part of another song,...

Read More »

Antidepressants

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the preferred type of antidepressants for treating SAD. They increase the level of the hormone serotonin in your brain which helps to lift your mood.

If you are prescribed antidepressants, be aware that:

It can take between four-to-six weeks for the medication to take full effect. It is important to take the medication as prescribed and to continue taking it even if you start to feel better. Some antidepressants have side effects and may interact with other types of medication that you are taking. An upset stomach is the most common side effect of antidepressants. See the information leaflet that comes with your medication for a full list of possible side effects. The evidence that antidepressants are effective in treating SAD is limited. They are thought to be most effective if they are taken at the start of winter (before the symptoms appear) and continued until spring.

Light therapy

For some people with SAD, using light therapy can help improve their mood considerably. It involves sitting in front of, or beneath, a light box. Light boxes are special lamps that come in a variety of designs, including desk lamps and wall-mounted fixtures. They produce a very bright light. Light intensity is measured in lux – the higher lux, the brighter the light.

the light intensity you should be using

how long you need to sit in front of the light

When buying a light box, make sure that you choose one that has been produced by a fully certified manufacturer and is medically proven to treat SAD. The SAD Association (www.sada.org.uk) can provide a list of recommended manufacturers.

Very bright light may not be suitable if you:

have an eye problem or your eyes are particularly sensitive to light

How do Hawaiians say thank you?
How do Hawaiians say thank you?

Mahalo (Mahalo Nui Loa) Mahalo means Thank you. Mahalo nui loa means Thank you very much. Sep 12, 2018

Read More »
How much is a Yamaha baby grand?
How much is a Yamaha baby grand?

Or you could look into the small Yamaha GB1K Baby Grand Piano, starting at $14,999 – $19,179.

Read More »

are taking certain types of medication, such as antidepressants

have epilepsy – a condition that causes seizures (fits)

Speak to your GP if you unsure about the suitability of a particular product.

How light therapy works

Light therapy is thought to work by simulating the sunlight that is missing during the darker winter months. The additional light encourages your brain to reduce the production of melatonin (the hormone that makes you sleepy) and increase the production of serotonin (the hormone that affects your mood). However, this is based on the assumption that the condition is caused by a lack of light and the effect that this has on the hormones that are released in your brain.

Research into light therapy

There is mixed evidence regarding the overall effectiveness of light therapy. It is difficult to compare the research that has been carried out in this area because a variety of light sources were used and clinical trials (medical tests) were often conducted over short periods of time. However, several studies have concluded that light therapy is effective, particularly if it is used first thing in the morning. It is thought that light therapy is best for producing short-term results. This may mean that it will help to relieve your symptoms but that you will still be affected by SAD next winter.

Side effects of light therapy

It is rare for people using light therapy to have side effects. However, in rare cases, you may experience:

mild agitation or irritability

headache

sleeping problems (avoid using light therapy during late evening)

Visit your GP if you experience any side effects while using light therapy.

Should piano be recorded in stereo?
Should piano be recorded in stereo?

Recording in mono with one mic or in stereo with two mics are both good options for recording piano.

Read More »
Are piano grades worth it?
Are piano grades worth it?

The grade examinations are fantastic as they provide you with a structure and help balance your education equally between technical exercises,...

Read More »
Is a 61 key keyboard enough for a beginner?
Is a 61 key keyboard enough for a beginner?

If you are a beginning piano student, a 61-key keyboard should be a good fit for all of your needs. It should also fit easily into small spaces....

Read More »
Where can I download piano sheet music for free?
Where can I download piano sheet music for free?

7 Websites to Find Free Sheet Music IMSLP. MUSOPEN. 8Notes. MuseScore. MutopiaProject. BandMusicPDF. Free Scores. Free Blank Sheet Music. More...

Read More »