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It’s that time of
year again; the days are colder and shorter. Are you feeling down in the
dumps? If so, we are here to let you know that this is not uncommon.
About fifty to sixty percent of North Americans suffer from this same
disorder. Environmental changes can lead to winter depression known as
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. This disorder is caused by the
brain’s chemical reaction to less daylight. So ironically, the
depression is not caused by the cold, but the lack of daylight. There
are a variety of symptoms that can arise from this depression such as,
change in sleep patterns, weight gain, to overwhelming thoughts of
suicide. If you are one of the many sufferers of seasonal depression
here are a few things that may help you overcome it:
LIGHT THEREPY: Buy
a fixture that will hold four- foot- long fluorescent bulbs, not the
standard kind, but the kind used for growing plants. These are the
closest match to the spectrum of sunlight. Do not buy the standard
fluorescent lights because they will only drain more energy from you.
STICK TO A DAILY
ROUTINE: Go to bed on time so you will be able to do your light therapy
first thing in the morning, which is the best time to do it. Also make a
list of the things you have to do for the day and cross them off as you
accomplish them.
TRY TO FORGET ABOUT
THE WEATHER: The weather is something you cannot change so try to make a
conscious decision to not let it affect your mood.
EAT HEALTHY AND
EXERCISE: Eating healthier and exercising regularly can help improve
your mood. Take a nice walk and remember to drink plenty of water during
these dry winter months.
TAKE CARE OF
YOURSELF: If you still feel like you cannot get out of your slump then
make a call for help. There is plenty of help out there for people who
battle any kind of depression. |
