season_affective_disorder

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Season Affective Disorder (SAD)

By: Colleen | December 24, 2008 | Category: Health

"'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse..." I'm not exactly sure whose house Clement Moore was referring to when he wrote that, but it certainly wasn't mine. On the night before Christmas there is PLENTY of stirring going on. People rummaging around looking for last minute wrapping paper or shooing others out of the bathroom when we're all trying to get ready for church at the same time. Unexpected guests dropping by to exchange presents we'd already agreed not to buy in the first place...

Ah, the holidays. While this time of year is associated with hustle, bustle, and cheer, it can also be a difficult time for those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Sure, it's normal to come down with a case of the "winter blues" (freezing cold temperatures, no summer tan remaining, scraping your windshield every morning—what's not to love?) SAD is when things get more serious and you experience symptoms like extended depression, lingering lethargy, appetite changes/weight gain.

Medical professionals link the disease to the limited amount of sunlight experienced during the winter months. This causes interruption to your circadian rhythm and in turn triggers depression. Other potential causes are changes in hormone levels also altered by lack of exposure to sunlight.

If you suspect you might be experiencing SAD, see your doctor for treatment. Some ways to thwart SAD are to pursue outdoor activities and get more exposure to sunlight. Use artificial light as a means of combating the lessened hours of sunlight. Hormone medication may be prescribed to restore chemical balance to where it is during the other seasons of the year.

Spring is just around the corner. What wintertime activities do you enjoy that others can try?