Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can affect all individuals. Although people living in California, Arizona, and Florida can suffer from SAD during the gloomy days of winter too, the highest incidence of this disorder is found in the northern hemisphere, where winter months are colder and longer. Women are more affected than men, and younger people are more affected than older. SAD can be debilitating for some people, but the good news is that there is effective treatment available.
What Causes SAD?
The sun is most commonly associated with happiness, and being energized. There's a reason for statements like, "she has such a sunny disposition." The sun provides all living things with vitamin D. It's the vitamin D that helps regulate mood. When it's absent, depression is present for many individuals.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Symptoms of SAD include the following:
- overeating
- craving carbohydrates
- sleeping more
- chronic fatigue
- weight gain
- social withdrawal
- depression
Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Possible treatments for SAD include the following:
- Light therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder. However, it isn't necessary to buy an expensive light therapy box as advertised in magazines and on the Internet. Simply replace all the light bulbs in the house with the new energy saving bulbs. The new bulbs are fluorescent just like the lights in the light therapy boxes. Sitting under a therapy light for twenty minutes a day will do the job. Use it while on the computer, reading, or watching TV.
- Take vitamin D supplements.
- Exercise to get those endorphins flowing. This may simply mean taking a 20 minute walk every day. It isn't necessary to participate in extreme sports to get the benefits.
- Take time for social activities. Meet a friend for coffee, find a walking partner, etc. Isolation makes depression worse.
When severely depressed, ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. Although the general practitioner may willingly prescribe antidepressants, he/she is not trained to treat and monitor severe depression. The psychiatrist specializes in illness and disorders of the brain. She may prescribe antidepressants, and she will insist on scheduling return appointments to monitor the medication. If a particular antidepressant isn't working for the patient, she may increase the dosage or try a different medication.
There is no shame in seeing a psychiatrist or in taking antidepressants. Do not let the ignorant beliefs of other people influence the decision to do this. That includes family, friends, and the media. The shame lies in doing nothing at all--not in consulting professional help.
Resources:
Dr. John Harris, M.D. Louisville, Kentucky
www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/sad.htm
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