Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasons change frequently, and the onset of the waning sun and colder weather can bring about depression symptoms, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. The occurrence happens to over 10 million Americans annually, and those affected by SAD tend to experience significant struggles with their depression disorders throughout the colder seasons. While the cause of SAD isn’t specific, psychologists believe that the presence of melatonin decreases and causes a disruption to the circadian rhythm of how we sleep and function because of the waning sunlight.
It’s important to recognize and treat SAD because all forms of depression can limit a person’s ability to fully live their lives, function well at work, and enjoy time with their families. If you know someone with SAD, here are some treatment options you can consider to help relieve those symptoms and how to best approach this disorder when it appears.
Try Exercising
Any form of depression can benefit from exercise because the endorphins from exercising can help relieve symptoms. However, during the winter months, getting outside to work out can be a struggle, especially for SAD patients. Any form of exercise can be performed indoors. Finding resources for yoga, weight training, and even indoor cardio exercises can help boost the heart and keep the mind healthy.
Stick to a Schedule
Finding a schedule and working with it can be a great mood booster for those with SAD; by keeping a regular schedule, you can help manage sleep better, expose yourself to light throughout the day, and help keep the mind and body healthy. Balancing exercise, diet, and work throughout the day can provide you with more energy for activities and help you feel tired for adequate sleep.
Keeping a Journal
Writing down your thoughts can help provide you with an internal perspective about the emotions you experience and help keep track of your mood throughout each day. Getting those negative emotions out of your system can help relieve depression symptoms and provide you introspection on what you can do to change your behaviors.
Use Light Therapy
Light and aroma can both be beneficial to one’s health. Light therapy through dawn simulators and light therapy boxes can help the body’s circadian rhythm and suppress melatonin. Working with full-spectrum light is closest to natural light and is a useful measure for treating SAD. Also, spending time throughout the day near dawn can help brighten your mood.
Speak with Your Doctor
Because SAD is a type of depression, speaking with a mental health professional can help determine the cause of the depression and find the right treatment course. Speaking with a professional can help you work through the various emotions and thoughts you can experience with SAD and recognize how SAD plays a part in your life.
If you’ve begun to see the effects of SAD this winter, then the best place to speak to about your problems is at Dr. Trang D Nguyen’s office at Conroe Family Doctor in Conroe, TX.
