Preventing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

The unwanted symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD such as depression, excessive eating, excessive sleep, weight gain, increased fatigue, clouded thinking, low level of physical activity, etc., can affect a person's general health adversely and one would do well to prevent it. Most people believe that it is not possible to prevent SAD but this is not true. It is possible to prevent the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder to a great extent by being proactive and taking the preventive steps described in the following paragraphs.

It has been found that sunlight plays an important role in SAD. Many studies have shown that people who are deprived of direct sunlight are more susceptible to getting the symptoms of SAD. Like plants humans also need sunlight to remain healthy. It is a well known fact that lack of adequate sunlight can cause physical problems like rickets. As mind and body are interconnected it follows logically that the lack of adequate sunlight can also psychological and emotional problems associated with SAD.

It is now known that the Pineal Gland is the one responsible for producing melatonin and the excess production of melatonin can cause the symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder. With reduced exposure to sunlight the Pineal Gland produces more melatonin. Therefore people are more susceptible to SAD during fall and winter. The preventive is of course more exposure to sunlight especially during the periods when the SAD symptoms are expected.

It has been found that getting outside and soaking in the sunlight for at least one hour every day reduces the risk of SAD. This is very important for office goers who get in early into office and get out late, especially during winter when the days are shorter. They are usually exposed to dull artificial lights throughout the day. Also you should not have your blinds and curtains drawn but you should allow as much sunlight as possible into your home, especially during winter months. For those who are not getting adequate sunlight using bright full spectrum lamps at home and office may help.

Exercising regularly can prevent seasonal affective disorder. Therefore getting out in the fresh air and sunlight and exercising out of doors is good for all round health. However if it is not possible for you to exercise outside you must exercise indoors at least. Regular workouts are a great way to lift the spirits and prevent depression and the other symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Additional ways to prevent SAD is to plan social activities with family members and friends at least thrice a month. Having good support systems also helps in this regard. An additional preventive step that can help prevent SAD is to take a natural or prescribed anti-depressant a month prior to the period of risk (for example mid fall) and terminate a month after that period (for example winter) is over.