Have you ever noticed that with the fall season well underway and the winter months ahead, you start dreading the lack of warm sun and longer hours of daylight? Do you find yourself grumpy when it rains for days on end, or when clouds dominate the skyline for seemingly endless weeks? You might be a sufferer of what is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and your professional performance may decline because of it. If any of this sounds familiar, take the time to learn more about the disorder. Here are important things to know about SAD, as offered by the National Mental Health America, on www.nmha.org. According to the website, SAD is a mood disorder associated with depression and affects half a million people every winter between September and April, usually peaking in December, January and February. This is more commonly known as the “Winter Blues.” Here are some more facts about SAD you might consider: - Three out of four SAD sufferers are women.
- The main age of onset of SAD is between 18 and 30 years of age.
- SAD occurs in both the northern and southern hemispheres, but is extremely rare in those living within 30 degrees latitude of the equator.
- The severity of SAD depends both on a person’s vulnerability to the disorder and his or her geographical location.
You might be diagnosed with SAD if you have had three consecutive winters of the following symptoms, followed by complete remission of symptoms during the spring and summer months. Here are some things to look for: - Depression: misery, guilt, loss of self-esteem, hopelessness, despair, and apathy
- Anxiety: tension and inability to tolerate stress
- Mood changes: extremes of mood and, in some, periods of mania in spring and summer
- Sleep problems: desire to oversleep and difficulty staying awake or, sometimes, disturbed sleep and early morning waking
- Lethargy: feeling of fatigue and inability to carry out normal routine
- Overeating: craving for starchy and sweet foods resulting in weight gain
- Social problems: irritability and desire to avoid social contact
- Sexual problems: loss of libido and decreased interest in physical contact
There are treatment options for those living with SAD, including phototherapy, or bright light therapy. This has proven to be effective in up to 85 percent of diagnosed cases. Also, getting outdoors as much as possible can help the milder cases. Even an hour-long walk in winter sunlight can help in improving moods and raising spirits. For more information about SAD, contact your doctor or visit the above mentioned website. Source: National Mental Health America, www.nmha.org. |
