Combat Season Affective Disorder

With winter arriving many are already dreading the dark, gloomy days and the very cold mornings. For some people though the winter brings on more than just the cold, dark weather it also brings on some dark moods. For those who suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) also know as winter depression, the dreary months of winter can be crippling.

While there is no definitive cause for Seasonal Affective Disorder it is presumed that the lack of sunlight is a large contributing factor. The human body can live without light but it does not function well when deprived from that light. If you find yourself suffering from depression, loss of energy, lack of appetite, over eating, craving starchy or sugary foods or just loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy you may be suffer from Winter Seasonal Affective Disorder. The level of Sad can vary from very moderate to extremely severe.

There are many methods of treating Seasonal Affective Disorder. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of adding some extra light to your surrounding or staying active. If you feel you have a moderate to severe case of SAD consult your health professional and find out if maybe there might be a larger problem. Depression can be a symptom of thyroid problems and other physical illness.

There are some simple ways to ease Seasonal Affective Disorder that are fairly inexpensive. Getting enough light is essential for anyone suffering from SAD. Natural sunlight is in short supply in many areas during the winter months. To replace the missing sunshine you can purchase plant light also known as grow lights to imitate the natural sun. Almost any store that sells plants will also sell these lights. They have normal bases that fit into most lamps and light fixtures. Place them in the areas of your home or office where you spend a great deal of time in order to get maximum effectiveness. When replacing light do not rely on anything such as tanning beds to replace the light, while it may help elevate your mood it puts you at a much greater risk for skin cancer.

Add some springtime to your home or office by picking up some flower bulbs such as tulips. If you put the bulbs in the refrigerator for two weeks and then plant them in pots around a warm house you will imitate a spring thaw and your bulbs will begin to grow. Plants of any kind increase oxygen in the air and often help lighten the mood for those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Proper nutrition and exercise are a must in treating any form of depression including Seasonal Affective Disorder. The more you move, the better you will feel. If you don’t want to spend money to join a gym find a winter activity such as skiing or sledding that you can enjoy. If you the cold is more than you can take find someplace that offers walking groups such as a mall. Just get out of the house and move. Exercise is a natural mood booster.

Anything that makes you happy or feel good will help elevate your mood. Find something you enjoy and make a point of doing to combat the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Do not attempt to self medicate and do not ignore any form of ongoing depression while SAD may be considered seasonal, depression is not caused simply buy gloomy weather. Seek a medical professional for a complete physical and evaluation. Do not ignore ongoing or worsening symptoms call your doctor and seek treatment right away.

Winter does not have to be gloomy, with the proper tools you can actually find a way to enjoy the season instead of dreading it all summer.