Winter months can hit some harder emotionally than others. People particularly vulnerable to seasonal moods during the fall and winter get slammed with low and depressive moods that are difficult for them to shake. If you feel some of these symptoms only during the fall and winter seasons then you may have SAD.
SAD SYMPTOMS
Seasonal Affective Disorder is characterized by several symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms include a significant lack in energy, feeling lethargic or constantly needing sleep. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is also characterized by an increase in appetite, followed by weight gain.
Other symptoms are more psychological. Intense anxiety, withdrawal from friends and family, difficulty focusing and concentrating on tasks are common to seasonal affective disorder sufferers. Women may experience increased PMS symptoms. In fact women are most susceptable to SAD as 70% to 80% of SAD victims are women.
Some typical SAD symptoms include:
* mood disorders only happen in fall and winter, disappearing in spring and summer
* chronic sadness
* excessive sleep
* loss of energy
* deep regret
* loss of motivation
* lack of interest in friends and family
* excessive weight gain
* lack of motivation
Like any other mood disorder the causes can be complex and there may be more than one method for resolving the problem.
Location can be a contributor to SAD. Studies have shown people who live in extremely cold northern or southern regions of the planet are more likely to contract SAD than others. Most likely, the long winters with short hours of daylight are the cause. SAD light therapy is often used to combat that problem and alleviate SAD symptoms for many, allowing them to live normal lives again.
SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER QUESTIONNAIRE
If you’re trying to figure out whether what you have is the winter blues or SAD (seasonal affective disorder), ask yourself a few questions:
1. Are your feelings about the weather actively inhibiting your life?
2. Are you so unhappy that you’re unable to perform basic tasks?
3. Are you sleeping significantly more hours per night, and do you still have trouble waking in the morning?
4. Has your spouse or your boss complained about your change in behavior?
4. Has your spouse or your boss complained about your change in behavior?
5. Do you feel seriously depressed only in fall and winter (as opposed to simply grumpy or out of sorts)?
If you answered yes to the majority of these questions, you may be suffering from SAD. Fortunately, SAD is a curable ailment. Many treatments are now available as physicians and psychologists become aware of the problem.
LIGHT THERAPY FOR TREATING SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)
Treatments include psychotherapy, drugs and SAD light therapy. One of the most effective and least invasive treatment for SAD found thus far is light therapy, which is thankfully both affordable and easy to self-administer. Because SAD light therapy has been shown to be so effective there are web sites devoted to discussing how to use light therapy properly, what you should look for in light therapy boxes to treat SAD specifically and screen the best light therapy boxes for you to purchase. Some of the best advice come from stores selling light therapy lamps.
