How to Live With Someone Who has Seasonal Affective Disorder

All he wants to do is sleep and, even when he’s awake, he’s lethargic. She’s easily depressed and cries all the time. Looking out the window at the grey winter sky seems to make him want to do nothing more than eat. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a reality that many people suffer through each year. Living with someone with SAD is a challenge for family and friends. What can you do?

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Full-spectrum lights
• Candles
• Blankets

Live With Someone Who has Seasonal Affective Disorder

1. Understanding what seasonal affective disorder is and how it affects people is the first step to living with someone who suffers from it. This is caused from a chemical imbalance, which affects the physical and mental state. There are many books and medical studies on this condition.

2. Learn to be supportive without pressure. SAD is not something that you can talk someone out of; be careful of your comments. If it’s rainy and cold outside, lighting a fire and bringing a cup of hot tea is a better choice than “Cheer up!” or “Stop being so lazy!”

3. Light candles and turn on lights. Encourage him to dress warmly and keep lightweight blankets near. Although it’s only mental, the suggestion of light and warmth helps.

4. Purchase full-spectrum lights from a pet store or home improvement store. Place the light at eye level and have the sufferer sit in front of them for 20 minutes each morning, glancing at the lights periodically.

5. Eating a well-balanced diet and exercising is important for seasonal affective sufferers. SAD sometimes triggers a craving for chocolate or other sweets. Walking--even in cold weather--helps condition the body to the winter temperatures.

6. Encourage the sufferer to see a doctor. While SAD cannot be cured, there are certain prescriptions that can help with insomnia and the depression.

7. Take care of yourself. While you want to be supportive of your loved one, you are no good if you are depleted. Go out with friends, take up a hobby or get a manicure; whatever helps you relax and replenish.

Tips & Warnings

• When choosing a paint for a room, consider colors that are light and reminiscent of spring and summer, such as soft yellows or greens.
• Do not overuse the full-spectrum lights as it can cause sleeping problems.
• Watch for signs of the seasonal affective disorder sliding into clinical depression, such as extreme weight changes, chronic moodiness or even talk of suicide.

Resources

• National Institute of Mental Health
• Mayo Clinic