Do you have SAD?
Do you have SAD?
If you find yoursef feeling SAD as the days grow shorter, you may
have Seasonal Affective Disorder (aka Winter Depression). This
medical condition is caused by insufficient exposure to sunlight
resulting in low levels of melatonin and serotonin, abnormalities of
cortisol, carbohydrate craving, weight gain, and sleep disturbance.
SAD usually begins at the end of October when we set our clocks back
an hour (Daylight Savings Time). This change in time makes the
shorter daylight hours even more apparent which causes us to feel
SAD. We are then likely to continually feel SADder as the season
progresses. Some of the many symptoms of SAD include: (1.) Change in
sleep patterns. (2.) Oversleeping but not awaking feeling refreshed.
(3.) Inability to get out of bed. (4.) The need for afternoon naps.
(5.) Depression which includes feelings of despair, misery, guilt,
anxiety, hopelessness, etc. (6.) Normal tasks become frustratingly
difficult. (7.) Withdrawal from friends and family. (8.) Avoiding
company. (9.) Crankiness or irritability. (10.) Lack of
feeling/emotion. (11.) A constant state of sadness. (11.) Lethargy
or decreased energy, making everything an effort and thus resulting
in decreased productivity. (12.) Physical ailments, including: joint
pain, stomach problems, lowered resistance to infection, weight
gain, premenstrual syndrome (worsens or only occurs in winter) (13.)
Behavioral problems (14.) Changes in appetite, including: increased
appetite and carbohydrate craving (15.) A loss of interest in sex
(16.) Difficulty concentrating resulting in unaccomplished tasks
If you feel that you have SAD, you should know that you’re not
alone! SAD affects approximately 10 million people in the United
States alone. Women are three times more likely than men to suffer
from this disorder. People who live in colder climates also have a
higher incidence of SAD. So, should you happen to believe that
you’re suffering from SAD, you should first check with your doctor,
but do know that there are some treatments available. These include:
(1.) Eating a low fat diet, without too much protein. (2.) Taking a
daily vitamin that contains magnesium, B complex, and minerals. (3.)
Eliminating caffeine. (4.) Reducing stress. (5.) Eliminating refined
sugars and flours. (6.) Taking part in aerobic exercise (ie
walking). (7.) Taking Saint John’s Wort. (8.) Spending 30 minutes
per day in the sun and fresh air.
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Reverend Brenda Hoffman, is ordained by the Universal Life Church,
and has been delivering holistic health and wellness advice for over
7 years since receiving a BA in psychology. As a home-based
professional and mother of 1, she operates a holistic wellness
network. She invites you over to
http://www.yourhealthyfamilyhome.com/ to learn how to improve you
and your family’s health.