What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? In the U.
S.
alone, over ten million women are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) at some point in their lives.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, "Seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that is triggered by the seasons.
The most common type of SAD is called winter-onset depression.
Symptoms usually begin in late fall or early winter and go away by summer.
" Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms of this disorder can vary, but usually include: o Increased fatigue o Increased appetite and cravings, especially for more dense foods, such as starches and carbohydrates o Weight gain o Lethargy o Decreased desire to exercise o Lack of interest in participating in usually enjoyable pastimes o Trouble concentrating or focusing at work or other daily activities Treatments of Seasonal Affective Disorder There are several treatments of SAD, including light therapy, diet change, climate change, and cognitive therapy.
If you think you have SAD, contact your doctor for medical advice.
However, there are a few tricks that may help women who are mildly affected.
Take a Vacation Those women who are located in northern regions are more affected by SAD than those in warmer climates due to the shorter days and colder temperatures.
If this is an option for you, check out the many online sites available to find the cheapest airfare, hotels, and car rentals.
Light Therapy Light therapy is the most common treatment for SAD.
LED light boxes can be purchased online or in retail stores in different sizes and for a range of prices.
Compare as many different lights as you can to find what you need so you don't overspend.
Diet ChangeWe acquire most of our Vitamin D from the sun, which makes many of us deficient in the winter months.
Adding extra Vitamin D to your diet can help with the symptoms of SAD.
Fighting urges to eat unhealthy comfort foods will also help with the lethargy and weight gain associated with the disorder.
Cognitive Therapy Recent studies have shown that behavioral therapy is more effective than light therapy in treating SAD.
This may be more costly than the other treatments, but if you are affected by recurrences of severe SAD, it may be an option for you.
Researching and talking to a medical professional will help you find the right treatment.
S.
alone, over ten million women are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) at some point in their lives.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, "Seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that is triggered by the seasons.
The most common type of SAD is called winter-onset depression.
Symptoms usually begin in late fall or early winter and go away by summer.
" Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms of this disorder can vary, but usually include: o Increased fatigue o Increased appetite and cravings, especially for more dense foods, such as starches and carbohydrates o Weight gain o Lethargy o Decreased desire to exercise o Lack of interest in participating in usually enjoyable pastimes o Trouble concentrating or focusing at work or other daily activities Treatments of Seasonal Affective Disorder There are several treatments of SAD, including light therapy, diet change, climate change, and cognitive therapy.
If you think you have SAD, contact your doctor for medical advice.
However, there are a few tricks that may help women who are mildly affected.
Take a Vacation Those women who are located in northern regions are more affected by SAD than those in warmer climates due to the shorter days and colder temperatures.
If this is an option for you, check out the many online sites available to find the cheapest airfare, hotels, and car rentals.
Light Therapy Light therapy is the most common treatment for SAD.
LED light boxes can be purchased online or in retail stores in different sizes and for a range of prices.
Compare as many different lights as you can to find what you need so you don't overspend.
Diet ChangeWe acquire most of our Vitamin D from the sun, which makes many of us deficient in the winter months.
Adding extra Vitamin D to your diet can help with the symptoms of SAD.
Fighting urges to eat unhealthy comfort foods will also help with the lethargy and weight gain associated with the disorder.
Cognitive Therapy Recent studies have shown that behavioral therapy is more effective than light therapy in treating SAD.
This may be more costly than the other treatments, but if you are affected by recurrences of severe SAD, it may be an option for you.
Researching and talking to a medical professional will help you find the right treatment.