Things You'll Need:
- Watch for Signs of SAD
- Seek Professional Advice
- S.A.D Lighting
- A plan to be active
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Step 1
You do not have suffer anymore.Every year millions of people suffer from S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder). S.A.D. is a type of depression that can affect people from the months of September through April. This depression is typically predominant during December, January, and February (nosad.org). The best way to avoid S.A.D. is early diagnosis. If you know you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder you can avoid going through the symptoms in the years to come.
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Step 2
Seek medical advise to recieve proper diagnosis."S.A.D. is a biochemical imbalance of the hypothalamus due to the shortening of daylight hours and lack of sunlight in winter" (nosad.org). "The hypothalamus controls body temperature, hunger, thirst fatigue, anger, and circadian cycles" (Wikepedia.com).
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Step 3
Oversleeping and difficulty staying awake are just a couple of symptoms of S.A.D.Symptoms include: oversleeping, difficulty staying awake, fatigue, feelings of misery, loss of self-esteem, guilt, despair, loss of feelings, desire to avoid social contact, irritability, decreased sexual desire and physical contact, and in some cases; over activity in spring and fall (nosad.org).
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Step 4
Winter can leave some folks sad and depressed.These symptoms usually occur every winter and go away in spring. S.A.D. can occur at any age but generally occurs in those 18 to 30 years of age. 80% of people who were diagnosed with S.A.D. are successfully treated with light therapy (nosad.org).
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Step 5
Light therapy can chase your blues away.If you feel that you might be affected by S.A.D. seek medical advice from your physician before attempting any type of therapy on your own. There is an abundance of information online regarding S.A.D. and light therapy treatment. Do your research and consult your physician and don't struggle to get through another winter again.
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Step 6
Life does not stop just because it's wintertime.If you have been diagnosed with S.A.D. and you are using light therapy treatment, be sure to plan some winter activities to keep you active. Check your local community news for winter and holiday events in your area. Our local zoo holds a Festival of Lights during evening hours. Many community centers have holiday musical events and even Broadway reproductions of your favorite holiday stories. Take classes you've always wanted to take such as; photography, dance, or computer classes. Join your local YMCA. Most facilities have a swimming pool so you can enjoy a summertime activity and get into shape over the winter.
Comments
kaytay said
on 1/18/2009 SAD is such a real problem. Can't wait till spring! 5 stars!
blingaling said
on 12/12/2008 Good solid article that will be helpful to many people, I'm sure. Well researched and well written. Thanks!
Sidhartha said
on 12/7/2008 I guess I'm lucky cause I'm here in CA where its hardly every not sunny. They say that sad is due to a chemical imbalance in due to the lack of vitamin D that is synthesized from being in the sun. Anyhow great article. five stars
frenchwriter said
on 11/30/2008 I was blessed reading your tips and advice about SAD. I was not born in Wisconsin and long winters will do it. So the best if you can is to move to snow bird states like AZ, FL or even in CA where I am planning to move to Monterey. I won't be SAD this winter. I moved to TN and GA..did not have trouble there. This is what you call at the first drop of snow.."Hit the road jack...and don't come back no more." or at least until spring. A+ and thank you for the website...I will check it out. Kind regards, Michel
voliegurl said
on 11/27/2008 Awesome tips, thanks!