With the chilly days and long nights of winter upon us, you may find yourself with a bad case of the winter blues. Wanting to sleep or eat more are common reactions to this time of year. But if it's more than just not wanting to go out into the cold and you find yourself slipping into a depression, you may be experiencing a more serious reaction known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.
SAD can affect anyone, but it tends to be more common for people who live in areas where winter daylight hours are short. The cause is not clear, although experts feel the diminished sunlight during this time disrupts a person's circadian rhythm. This disruption can then affect serotonin levels in the brain, causing changes in a person's mood.
Symptoms of SAD
- Losing interest in daily activities
- Sleeping excessively or feeling drowsy during the day
- Anxiety, irritability, sadness
- Increased appetite, craving carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Most people with SAD will find that these symptoms lift in the spring and then return in the autumn months
Treatment
If you feel you may have SAD, you will need to talk with your doctor or naturopathic health provider. There you can discuss your symptoms and they can rule out any possible underlying medical problems. If they feel you're experiencing SAD, you will most likely be prescribed light therapy through the use of a light box. At times, counseling or antidepressants may also be recommended.
There are ways you can reduce the affects of SAD, which include:
- Spending time outdoors every day
- Getting regular, moderate exercise
- Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding sugar-laden foods and caffeine
- Keeping sleep patterns as regular as possible
For more information you can visit the website Positive Choices for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
