Brought on by Darkness, a Disorder needs LightAs fall becomes winter, certain people begin to feel more depressed as the days get shorter. 70-80% of those affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are women. If you get depressed as the weather grows colder and darker, and begin feeling better in the spring and summer, you may have SAD. Symptoms include: difficulty waking up in the morning, tendency to oversleep as well as to overeat, and especially a craving for carbohydrates, which leads to weight gain. Other symptoms of such a depression include a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating and remaining task oriented, and withdrawal from friends, and social activities.
- Light boxes are best used in the early AM hours before starting your day.
- Most people benefit from as little as 15 minutes of 10,000 lux light exposure.
- Keep a brief log of daily activities, and monitor yourself for signs of irritable mood, agitation, trouble sleeping, or nausea.
- Eat more appropriately, as many who get the winter blues reach for coffee or quick sugary carbohydrates.
- Reach out to others as relationships and social networks help in boosting a depressed mood.
A daily routine usually is best to lift one's spirits from the winter blues. If you find that you are falling behind at that, it is best to be examined by a licensed physician or psychologist appropriately. A lightbox or a "dawn awakener" (soundless alarm clocks that steadily brighten the room) cost ~$150-$200 and offer proven benefits. Look into them online at www.cet.org.
