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Are You SAD?
from:It is that time of year again. Spring seems so far away, yet it
feels like winter has been dragging on for months. Some of you
may not have seen the sun much for the past few weeks and it is
taking a toll on your mental health. If you tend to get
depressed during the winter months, you are not alone. Seasonal
Affective Disorder (SAD) can impact anyone, but there are ways
to cope that will help you get through the rest of winter.
Seasonal Affective Disorder occurs during the winter months but
can vary based on latitude, gender, and age. Statistics show
that women are more likely to suffer from it than men and
younger people are more likely to be diagnosed than the older
population. Not surprisingly, it is more common among people who
live in areas where winter days are shorter.
There are several key factors that can help you determine
whether you suffer from SAD. You are at a greater risk if an
immediate family member suffers from similar symptoms or has
been diagnosed. Being depressed in the winter but feeling much
better in the spring and summer is a symptom of SAD. You should
be on the lookout for moods such as being grumpy, moody, anxious
or sad. If you eat and crave more carbohydrates, gain weight, or
feel sluggish or sleepy during daytime hours these are also
signs. The risk of getting SAD for the first time goes down as
you age.
Although experts are unsure exactly what causes SAD it is most
likely a result of a lack of sunlight. This may upset your
sleep-wake cycle, which causes problems with the brain chemical
responsible for moods, serotonin.
There are two types of light therapies that can help with SAD:
bright light treatment and dawn simulation. Bright light
treatment requires you to sit in front of a "light box" for half
an hour or longer, usually in the morning. Dawn simulation is a
programmed light that comes on in the morning and gets brighter
over time, like a sunrise.
Light therapies work well for most people with SAD but both
require you to stick with it every day until the season changes.
You could also talk with your doctor about antidepressants or
therapy.
If you want to try something on your own you cannot go wrong
with exercise. By exercising (especially early in the morning)
you will have more energy and feel less depressed. Try to be
physically active most days of the week.
You have many options when it comes to treating seasonal
affective disorder. Hang in there, spring is on its way!
About the author:
Rachel Lukasavige is a Health Coach at Lukas Coaching. Visit www.lukascoaching.com/resources.htm for a ton of free tools to help you improve your health, finances, business, career & life! www.lukascoaching.com For more free columns and articles, visit www.lukascoaching.com/articles.htm
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