SAD

I miss the sun, light, and warmth. Depression plays a big role during these winter months. When I have to get up, go about doing my daily activities, somebody inside me asks Why bother? — Peter Allan Bekke

SAD
SAD

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6 Ways to Defeat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD is a mood disorder, and although it is generally thought of as a winter problem, it can also occur in other seasons. The major distinction between SAD and other forms of depression is that it occurs at the same time every year, for at least two years, and there's a remission of symptoms off-season. It usually begins in the fall in anticipation of the long, cold winter and lasts until early spring. 

During this time peoples' energy levels are low, there's a tendency to isolate and oversleep. People may have difficulty concentrating and feel hopeless.  People suffering from SAD also may lose interests in things they typically enjoy and crave carbohydrates, thus putting on weight. 

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 6 Ways to Defeat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

The major distinction between SAD and other forms of depression is that it occurs at the same time every year, for at least two years, and there's a remission of symptoms off-season. It usually begins in the fall in anticipation of the long, cold winter and lasts until early spring. During this time peoples' energy levels are low, there's a tendency to isolate and oversleep.

Mental Health America

Three out of four SAD sufferers are women. The main age of onset of SAD is between 18 and 30 years of age. SAD occurs in both the northern and southern hemispheres, but is extremely rare in those living within 30 degrees latitude of the equator. The severity of SAD depends both on a person’s vulnerability to the disorder and his or her geographical location.

PsycheCentral

There are many effective treatments for winter depression, some of which you can do to help yourself. Increasing your daily exposure to as much natural light as possible can be helpful to many. Any time that you have the opportunity to gain access to more sunlight in the winter months, you should try to do so. Taking a walk throughout the day (even if you don't normally do so), sitting next to a south-facing window at your office, in a classroom, or at home will increase your sunlight exposure. Exercising next to a window or outdoors (when possible) is another activity that can help.

Psychology Today

Because winter depression is probably caused by a reaction to a lack of sunlight, broad-band light therapy is frequently used. This therapy requires a light box or a light visor worn on the head like a cap.

MayoClinic

nal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer. Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications.

MedicineNet

Seasonal affective disorder is less common where there is snow on the ground. Seasonal affective disorder is about four times more common in women than men, and the average age of people when they first develop this illness is 23 years of age. People of all ages can develop seasonal affective disorder.

MedlinePlus

To manage your symptoms at home: •Get enough sleep. •Eat a healthy foods. •Take medicines the right way. Ask your health care provider how to manage side effects. •Learn to watch for early signs that your depression is getting worse. Have a plan if it does get worse. •Try to exercise more often. Do activities that make you happy.

NHS

In people with SAD, a lack of sunlight and a problem with certain brain chemicals stops the hypothalamus working properly. The lack of light is thought to affect the: •production of the hormone melatonin •production of the hormone serotonin •body's circadian rhythm (its internal clock, which regulates several biological processes during a 24-hour period).

Patient

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression which occurs when you develop symptoms of depression during the darker winter months each year. Winter blues or sub-syndromal SAD (S-SAD) is a less severe form of the condition. In the UK and other countries north of the equator, the symptoms usually develop at some time between September and November and continue until March or April. Symptoms tend to be worse in December, January and February.

TeensHealth

Someone with SAD will show several particular changes from the way he or she normally feels and acts. These changes occur in a predictable seasonal pattern. The symptoms of SAD are the same as symptoms of depression...

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