Are You Feeling SAD?

Posted by Aurae Beidler Dec 18, 2007

This time of year is sure to get the best of the most happiest of people. I know the winter makes me feel tired and depressed at times. As the winter hits us, especially in the Northern states and Canada, it seems most of us get a case of "cabin fever". We're trapped indoors for long periods of time, the days are short and the cold weather just makes us want to sleep in our warm beds! These can all be considered normal reactions to season change, especially the change to winter.

The more serious reaction to the changing seasons is considered Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. SAD affects those in northern locations where the sun's UV light is limited. The Mayo Clinic describes symptoms of SAD as

• depression
• lethargy
• fatigue
• anxiety
• other problems, such as oversleeping, weight gain, and withdrawing from society

Several treatments and coping mechanisms to SAD include

• Light box therapy
• Antidepressants
• Vitamin D treatment
• Letting the light in through windows
• Exercise
• Getting outside during sunny weather no matter where you live
• Taking a trip to a sunny location
• Stress Management