Articles
SAD:
Seasonal Affective Disorder, What is it?
By:
Carol C. Craven, M.S., LPC
SAD
(Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a diagnosable depression. Symptoms
include a lack of energy, an increased need for sleep, a weakened immune
system, a craving for sweets, decreased sexual appetite, hopelessness,
suicidal thoughts, lack of interest in normal activities and social
withdrawal. Symptoms often begin in the fall and lessen in the spring.
SAD and the more mild “winter blues” affect a person’s work and
relationships due to lethargy and sadness.
Who
gets it? Of over ten million Americans, more women than men are
affected. Children and adolescent symptoms often include irritability,
crying spells, anxiety, fatigue, difficulty in getting out of bed for
school, lower grades, and self-esteem issues.
What
to do:
- Use a light box.
- Manage your stress—let the bubbles really
take you away! Get more exercise. YES! It does help! Trust us!
- Take a walk on a sunny day.
- Add more light to your environment. Open
shades and blinds, trim trees or bushes that block light from
windows.
- Sit near a window!
- Get your sleep at night! Sounds silly, but we
need our sleep!
- Go south for the winter! If not, consider a
vacation in a sunny place!
Sources:
Rosenthal,
N.E., and Blehar, M. (1989). Seasonal affective disorders
and phototherapy. New York:
Guilford Press.
Rosenthal,
N.E. (1989). Seasons of the mind. New York: Bantam Books.
Copyright
© 2004 by Arbor Family Counseling Associates
