According to The Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year. If you're like most people with seasonal affective disorder, your symptoms start in the fall and may continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, seasonal affective disorder causes depression in the spring or early summer. However, some people with the opposite pattern have symptoms that begin in spring or summer. In either case, symptoms may start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses.
Some of the symptoms of SAD include depression, hopelessness, anxiety, loss of energy, heavy, "leaden" feeling in the arms or legs, social withdrawal, oversleeping, appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates, and difficulty concentrating. So what can you do to alleviate some of the symptoms?
- Let the sunshine in. Open blinds, trim tree branches that block sunlight or add skylights to your home. Sit closer to bright windows when possible. Take some time to research light boxes that are designed specifically for the treatment of SAD.
- Get outside. Take time to find opportunities to get outside even during these winter months. Bundle up for a long walk, eat lunch at a nearby park, or find a sunny spot to sit and soak up the sun.
- Get moving. Walk to the mailbox, the store, or a neighbor's. Take the dog for a walk or walk with friends. Physical exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can increase seasonal affective disorder symptoms. Being more fit can make you feel better about yourself, too, which can lift your mood.
- Seek help. Most importantly, the MFMER warns, "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 seem to get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your doctor. This is particularly important if you notice that your sleep patterns and appetite have changed or if you feel hopeless, think about suicide, or find yourself turning to alcohol for comfort or relaxation."
This information is not meant to take the place of information from a medical professional. Please consult a doctor if you feel you need further information.
As you build balance into your winter schedule, feel free to reply to this email or share on my Facebook page.