S.A.D. Are you a Sufferer
Seasonal Affective Disorder - S.A.D. is a form of depression which occurs during the winter months. I suffer from this disorder and I managed to get myself out of this problem. This disorder seems to occur more in women than in men. Now that winter's upon us in Australia, I've noticed more people are suffering from this disorder. You seem to not want to socialise and feel absolutely fatigued and depressed.
The causes of S.A.D is unknown, however, factors such as hormonal, lack of sunlight and your body temperature may play a part in this disorder.
Symptoms of S.A.D
SAD symptoms can consists of :
- Weight gain and increase appetite, especially carbohydrates
- Increased sleep and afternoon tiredness
- Lack of energy and loss of interest in work or school
- Unhappy and very sad (wanting to cry) and irritability
- social withdrawal
- Slow and sluggish.
There is help:
There are natural treatments to help with this disorder and it really does work. I will never take medications, however, if this disorder is quite severe, please go and see you medical practitioner.
Treatments:
- Exercise! I can't stress enough the importance of exercising. Even if you go for a morning walk while the sun is out, you are absorbing vitamin D which is the natural source of sunlight.
- Light therapy: using a special lamp with a very bright fluorescent light (10,000 lux) to mimic light from the sun may also be helpful. If you are taking medication, light therapy may be sensitive to your eyes and skin. Check with your doctor. The Light Therapy will improve your depression in 3-4 weeks.
- Taking Vitamins B & D will improve this disorder if taken daily.
- Go out a socialise as much as you can; even if you go for a walk to the corner store and start a conversation with the shop assistant.
- Dance. Put the music on and start dancing. Any form of exercise will release endorphins to make you feel better.
- Go on a tropical holiday. Sun sun, sun, and sun.
Don't let Seasonal Affective Disorder control your life. Please seek help if it is severe. You have alot of living to do. Don't waste it on this disorder.
More information:
- beyondblue: the national depression initiative
- How Can I Tell If I'm Depressed
Do you sometimes feel down, maybe for extended periods? Have you ever wondered if you're really depressed? Read on and see if your questions are answered. - Vitamin D and Breast Cancer
- Seasonal affective disorder - PubMed Health
PubMed Health offers up-to-date information on diseases, conditions, drugs, treatment options, and healthy living, with a special focus on comparative effectiveness research from institutions around the world. PubMed Health is produced by the Nationa - Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - MayoClinic.com
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, treatment of this seasonal depression.
