Don’t Let SAD Darken Your Mood
When winter approaches, do you slide into a gloomy mood? Do you crave starchy foods? Do you notice changes in your energy level and sleep more? If the shifting seasons seem to affect you this way, then you might have SAD.
SAD stands for seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression. In the northeastern US, almost 10 percent of the population may be affected by SAD. Women are more likely than men to get SAD.
Dark Moods and Other Symptoms
SAD shares common symptoms with standard, nonseasonal depression, such as a depressed mood and trouble concentrating.
However, people with SAD also tend to have other symptoms. These include:
- Increased appetite.
- Weight gain.
- Lack of energy.
- Tendency to oversleep.
Doctors aren’t exactly certain what causes SAD. But many believe a disrupted “body clock” — or circadian rhythm — caused by seasonal changes may be to blame. Limited daylight and outdoor activities during the winter months are often blamed for SAD.
Let There Be Light
If you think you might have SAD, call your doctor. There are ways to treat these symptoms. One way is through light therapy. Research shows that light can help get the body clock back in sync.
Ways to Lift Your Mood
There are other ways you can treat SAD on your own. Here are some suggestions:
- Avoid negative thoughts and try not to think too much about how bad you feel. Instead, distract yourself with your favorite hobbies.
- Be more active. Exercise can help treat SAD.
- Spend time with others. This can help improve your mood if you have SAD. It may even help prevent SAD in the first place. There’s some evidence that people who don’t have a lot of social support are more likely to get SAD. However, researchers think a strong social network may protect someone from getting SAD.
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