What You Need to Know About Seasonal Affective Disorder

Have you been feeling a lot less energetic than you usually do? Have you noticed that you are hungrier than usual, and just don't feel like yourself? These symptoms along with many others are a sign of a not so rare condition called "Seasonal Affective Disorder" which affects over 10 million Americans every year. Seasonal Affective Disorder is more serious than just having the "winter blues" and is a result in the change in temperature and the amount of light we are exposed to during the short days of winter. Many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder and don't even realize that their depression is increasing as the temperature is decreasing. The symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder usually start around fall and peak in the middle of the winter. By spring they will typically subside and the sufferer will experience a burst of energy just as the flowers start to bloom it starts to get hotter outside.

If you think you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, one way you can help keep it in check is by making sure you spend as much time in the sunlight as possible. There have been many studies dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder and what causes it. Psychologists have found that more exposure to light greatly decreases the symptoms of this disorder and recommend that you take at least an hour walk everyday which will boost your mood. Many people though, aren't able to leave work for an hour in the middle of the day just to take a walk, so in these cases Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors definitely come in handy. SSRI's include Zoloft, Paxil, and any other kind of anti-depressant drug. These drugs work very well at eliminating depression, but if you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, you may only need to take them during the winter. This could cause a problem because it takes time for SSRI's to build up in your system and it takes even longer to slowly stop taking them. You may find yourself taking an anti-depressant all year long if you start taking them now for your Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you don't want this to happen, exercise has also been proven to help fight depression (the main affect of Seasonal Affective Disorder) especially if it is done outdoors. Finding a bike or walking trail near you may be the only thing you need to solve your "winter blues."

The worst thing about Seasonal Affective Disorder is that so many people don't even realize they have it. If you are having trouble waking up in the morning, craving sweets, feeling depressed for no reason, or are very tired during the day you may want to see your doctor so he/she can tell you what is best for you.