Seasonal affective disorder, or S.A.D. is caused by a lack of sunlight during the long dark days of winter. It can often be controlled by bright light therapy.
SYMPTOMS
- Depression. Feeling down in the dump, having the blues, feeling depressed when there's no reason to do so.
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A need for more sleep. You are constantly tired, even though you are sleeping eight to ten hours a night.
- No energy. All you want to do is sit. Nothing excites you. Everything around you seems bland. You feel listless and lethargic.
- Weight gain. This is caused by a combination of a lack of energy and exercise and a craving for high carbohydrate and/or fatty foods.
- Difficulty concentrating. Your brain doesn't want to co-operate. Your thinking is hazy and you make silly errors in judgement.
- General malaise. You just don't feel well, although you can't pinpoint the exact problem.
CAUSES
- Lack of sunshine and light. This is really the only cause of S.A.D. This lack make come from the short hours of sunshine during the winter months, especially in northerly regions. It is aggravated by lack of adequate lighting in the environment, for instance homes with windows covered by heavy curtains, or offices away from windows.
METHODS OF DIAGNOSIS
- Personal observation. Are you suffering from a combination of any of the symptoms listed above?<br>
- Comments from other people. Are people remarking on your lack of energy or your irritability? Perhaps someone has asked why you are depressed.
TREATMENT
- Antidepressants. Talk to your doctor. He may be able to suggest medication that will help you.
- Herbal remedies. Talk to a qualified herbalist or naturopath. There are numerous herbs that can help with depression. If in doubt, also mention the herb to your doctor.
- Psychotherapy. Talking to a counselor can help the sufferer take a second look at problems that may be making the depression worse.
- Exercise. I know you don't feel like you have the energy to exercise but you'll feel better if you try. This especially helpful if you can get outside and take even a short walk in the sunshine.
- Diet. Cut back on sweets and fatty foods. Control your cravings by eating more fruit and vegetables.
- Lighting. Keep rooms bright with large windows and use strong lighting.
- Go out in the sun. As mentioned above, a short walk in the sunshine is just what you need. If this is impossible, then sit near a window in full sunlight.
- Light Therapy. Use a light box early in the morning to simulate the missing sunshine. Many varieties of light boxes are available.
- Take a holiday! If all else fails, and you can afford it, take a holiday to a sunnier climate.
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