Lights, Camera, Action When It Comes to SAD

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, affects millions of people around the world. It is a form of depression caused by the lack of daylight during the short winter days, especially when there is bad weather. Those who live above the Arctic Circle are particularly prone to it due to their not seeing any sunlight for weeks at a time once the sun dips below the horizon.

SAD can trigger depression, illness and weight gain. With colds and also the dreaded flu making their rounds, many people fall ill during the winter and lose time at work or at the holidays because they are not feeling well in body, mind and spirit.

The Effects of Depression

 

Depression tends to lead to poor self-care. Some people don’t eat. Others try to cheer themselves up with food. When the holidays come, they overeat, but are often too listless to exercise.

 

They end up in the worst physical condition they have been in all year and then feel depressed about their body image.

 

When the warm weather arrives once again, they struggle to get back into shape so they can start wearing less bulky winter clothes once more and show off their figure anew.

 

Effort is Painful

 

Everything seems an effort when you have SAD.  Many people withdraw from others because they don’t want to be a “party pooper” or allow others to realize they are struggling. People with SAD will often cry uncontrollably, which can be embarrassing so they stay at home.

 

So, what is a person to do if they think they have SAD?

 

Lights

 

What they really need is to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine a little every day. They also need companionship, in order to avoid social isolation, which can trigger or worsen depression.

 

Camera

When you are outdoors with friends, be sure to take a camera along to record your good times together. Post them in prominent places so you know you are valued and that you can have a great time in spite of the winter weather.

 

Action

 

In addition to getting out of the house, consider taking up a winter sport like cross country skiing or snowshoeing. They can give you a great cardio workout.

 

Not fond of snow?  Rent or stream some fitness DVDs and try a range of interesting workout routines. You’re sure to find some you love.

 

Light Therapy

 

In some cases, these actions might not be enough to lift your SAD. In that case, the doctor may recommend phototherapy, commonly referred to as light therapy.

 

Light therapy uses an instrument called a light box. You sit a few feet away from it first thing in the morning. The light imitates natural sunlight, which appears to trigger a change in the brain chemicals linked to mood and helps ease depression.

 

Light therapy should ideally be started in the autumn, before the days start to get really short. This is also the best time to start because it can take from days or weeks to start working. 

 

If you think you have SAD, speak to your doctor and see if a light box might be right for you.