Winter months can hit some harder emotionally than others. People particularly vulnerable to seasonal moods during the fall and winter get slammed with low and depressive moods that are difficult for them to shake. If you feel some of these symptoms only during the fall and winter seasons then you may have SAD.
SAD SYMPTOMS
Seasonal Affective Disorder is characterized by several symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms include a significant lack in energy, feeling lethargic or constantly needing sleep. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is also characterized by an increase in appetite, followed by weight gain.
Some symptoms affect the mind more than the body. Intense anxiety, unwarranted desire to be alone and withdrawing from close ones are often experienced by SAD victims. Focusing and concentration issues are not uncommon. Wome n’s PMS symptoms may increase during this time. Women in fact are the most likely candidate to contract seasonal affective disorder, making up more than 70% to 80% of SAD sufferers.
Some typical SAD symptoms include:
* mood problems only occur during the fall and winter; disappears in spring and summer
* chronic sadness
* excessive sleep
* loss of energy
* deep regret
* loss of motivation
* lack of interest in friends and family
* excessive weight gain
* lack of motivation
Seasonal affective disorder like any other mood disorder can be complicated and there may be more than one treatment for curing SAD.
Location can be a contributor to SAD. Studies have shown people who live in extremely cold northern or southern regions of the planet are more likely to contract SAD than others. Most likely, the long winters with short hours of daylight are the cause. SAD light therapy is often used to combat that problem and alleviate SAD symptoms for many, allowing them to live normal lives again.
SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER QUESTIONNAIRE
Do you have SAD? If you are curious of you suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder), ask yourself a few questions:
1. Are your feelings about the weather actively inhibiting your life?
2. Are you so unhappy that you’re unable to perform basic tasks?
3. Are you sleeping significantly more hours per night, and do you still have trouble waking in the morning?
4. Has your spouse or your boss complained about your change in behavior?
4. Has your spouse or your boss complained about your change in behavior?
5. Do you feel seriously depressed only in fall and winter (as opposed to simply grumpy or out of sorts)?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, it’s possible what you’re experiencing is SAD. The encouraging news is that there are cures for SAD. In fact there are multiple ways to alleviate SAD and bring energy and light back into your life.
LIGHT THERAPY FOR TREATING SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)
You will find that psychotherapy, drugs and SAD therapy lights are the three most common treatments for SAD. As it turns out SAD light therapy is one of the most effective and least expensive treatments found for SAD thus far. Non invasive, no side effects and easy to self administer SAD lamps are some of the benefits. For some simply sitting beside one of these special light boxes for a few minutes a day is enough to alleviate SAD symptoms. Look for web sites that discuss light therapy usage online with guides and ideas for SAD light usage, treatment schedule and SAD light shopping tips.
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