Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

(I am not a doctor, so this article is not to be used as medical advice) Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a form of depression that is onset by winter months. Generally, people with SAD suffer during the fall and winter months. The exact causes of SAD are known, but generally it is believed that the lack of exposure to light during the winter months causes certain chemicals in the brain to change, leaving certain people susceptible to depression. Symptoms of SAD are the same as general depression and include loss of appetite, lack of energy, withdrawal from activities that are usually enjoyable, irritability, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and possibly thoughts of suicide. Also, people with SAD usually crave carbohydrates and starchy foods and have an increased desire to sleep, almost as if they want to "hibernate" during the winter months.

Coping with SAD can be difficult, as many people associate SAD with the "winter blues," but in actuality, it can be more severe than feeling blah. Treatment is crucial; ignoring symptoms will only cause more problems in the long run.

One major treatment for SAD is light. Doctors can prescribe a type of bright light lamp. Since lack of light during the winter months is believed to be one of the main causes, it is advised that those who suffer from this type of depression expose themselves to light for at least 30 minutes a day. Those with more severe forms of SAD may require longer exposure to light. Natural sunlight can also be used in lieu of sunlamps. Self-treatment is not recommended, however.

Anti-depressants may be necessary to help alleviate symptoms. Zoloft or Prozac are common anti-depressants prescribed for SAD. It can take up to 4-6 weeks for users of anti-depressants to see any results from medication, so if you know you suffer from SAD, try to start your medication before the winter months are upon you. Once winter months are over, if you plan on stopping your medication, talk to your doctor or health care provider before stopping the medication. It is ill-advised to abruptly stop taking anti-depressants.

This last part, you won't find in many books. As a stay-at-home (well, work-at-home) mom who suffers from SAD, getting out of the house could possibly help with symptoms of SAD. I despise being cooped indoors during the cold, gloomy winter months, and that contributes to my feelings of sadness (and longing for spring!) so I try and force myself to get out of the house and find something I enjoy doing. Sometimes it is difficult to force myself out of the house, but in the end, I know it is for the best.