For Some, It’s SAD Season

Some folks are deeply affected by the change in seasons. Enough that they may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a type of depression that begins and ends about the same time every year, with symptoms often starting in the fall and continuing into the winter months. Tjhe disorder saps your energy and makes you feel moody. Sometimes, though less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer.

Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), medications and psychotherapy. In addition to professional medical treatment, there are lifestyle and home remedies that may help. Make your environment sunnier and brighter. Open the blinds, trim tree branches that block sunlight or add skylights to your home. Sit closer to bright windows while at home or in the office. Get outdoors. Take long walks, eat lunch at a nearby park or simply sit on a bench and soak up the sun. Even on cold or cloudy days, outdoor light can help – especially if you spend some time outside within two hours of getting up in the morning.
Exercise regularly. Exercise and other types of physical activity help relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can increase SAD symptoms. Being more fit can make you feel better about yourself, too, which can lift your mood.

Signs and symptoms of SAD may include feeling depressed most of the day, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, having low energy, having problems with sleeping and experiencing changes in your appetite or weight. You also might feel sluggish or agitated, have difficulty concentrating, think frequently of death or suicide or feel hopeless, worthless or guilty.

It’s normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you can’t get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your doctor. This is especially important if your sleep patterns and appetite have changed, you turn to alcohol for comfort or relaxation, or you feel hopeless or think about suicide.