How To Deal With Seasonal Affective Disorder
- November 2, 2009
- 8,598 Views
Music (track 1)
Jon Petrow & Lynn Wright
Music (track 2)
Michael Sanchez
Music (track 3)
Edison Music Corp
Actor
Alexandra Grossi
Don’t put up with another winter of discontent. There are simple things you can do to lift yourself out of the doldrums.
You Will Need
- A doctor or mental health professional
- Natural sunlight
- A light box
- Stress reducers
- Negative air ionization
- A sunny vacation spot
- A dawn simulator (optional)
Step 1: Know what SAD is
Know what Seasonal Affective Disorder is. Called SAD for short, it’s the depression some people feel during the winter, when there are fewer daylight hours. The cause is unknown, but it’s suspected that lower levels of sunshine can affect some people’s body clocks, hormones, and brain chemicals.
Step 2: Determine if you have SAD
Determine if you suffer from the disorder. If you’ve been depressed at least two winters in a row; the depression subsides in the spring and returns in the winter; and there are no other explanations for your melancholy, you might have SAD. If your seasonal depression is severe, get evaluated by a doctor or mental health professional. You may need medication to deal with your SAD.
Step 3: Let in the light
Get as much natural light as you can: Keep windows uncovered and get outside for at least 30 minutes daily during daylight hours – just make sure to wear sunscreen. Supplement this with light therapy: Sit in front of a light box designed to treat SAD for 30 minutes daily, first thing in the morning.
Check with a doctor before you buy a light box to make sure you choose the most effective one available for your budget.
Step 4: De-stress
Reduce stress, which can make SAD worse. Getting 30 minutes of exercise per day, spending time with loved ones, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can all help.
Step 5: Try negative air ionization
Invest in a negative ion generator, which purifies indoor air. Researchers found that sitting in a room with the generator for 30 minutes a day reduced SAD symptoms. Make sure it’s high-density; low-density ones are less effective.
Step 6: Get outta town
If all else fails, jet off to a sunny spot for a week or two. Hey, it’s your health we’re talking about, right?
Some studies show SAD is diagnosed more often in women, but men seem to have more severe symptoms.
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Comments (9)
I believe there really is something to this, but it still cracks me up how they come up with a name for everything usually in the form of an acronym or something initialed.
It doesn't seem weird at all that people would become depressed in the wintertime though. The sun doesn't always shine, and you spend more time indoors. Without direct sunlight, you have less Vitamin D. This is a physical reason for depression, but there are also mental ways that winter can effect you emotionally.
One time I broke up with a girlfriend. It hurt, but I took it in stride. At least, on the outside. But really, it didn't realize how deeply it effected me. I stopped cleaning my apartment for about a week or so. I avoided having company, and just wanted to be alone. Then one friend of mine, Jimmy Harris, wouldn't take no for an answer and came over anyway. When he saw the condition of my apartment, he immediately started cleaning things up. He lectured me about isolating myself, and identified the problem.
The reason I had not been cleaning my apartment was because a clean apartment reminded me of Vicki being there. Once the place was clean again, I had to face the fact that she wasn't there anymore. Once I faced the hurt, and even cried about it, I felt better later on.
See, what I'm saying is that sometimes