Feeling Unfortunate from S.A.D (Seasonal depression)?
It’s that time of year once again where the seasons change, days grow much shorter and you find yourself feeling a little blue; only this year, do not brush it off, take actions to prepare yourself. Those winter blues may be because of something called seasonal affective disorder.
Seasonal depression is a kind of anxiety that usually happens in the winter, starting late fall to early winter. It occurs more commonly in places far north or south of the equator. Although the particular cause is unknown, SAD is believed to result from the reducing winter days. The decrease in daytime disrupts your body clock and the balance of serotonin and melatonin which impact sleep and state of mind.
Typical signs consist of:
● Feeling depressed the majority of the day
● Feeling helpless
● Low energy
● Increased sleep, cravings and weight gain
● Irritability
● Lost interest in activities you when enjoyed
These signs will generally begin and end throughout the very same season every year with more seasons of depression then seasons without anxiety over your lifetime. Because SAD shares common symptoms with conditions such as major depressive condition, it is necessary to speak to your doctor initially to discover the best treatment for you.
Some common treatments that your physician may start include light treatment or medications. Light therapy is a special light box that imitates outside light. You sit a few feet away from it for a couple hours a day as you tackle your everyday regimen. It is one of the very first line treatments for SAD and has hardly any side effects connected with it. Another easier treatment is starting antidepressants, especially if symptoms seem severe. Your doctor will help you discover the best medication that works for you with the least side effects. Bear in mind that it might take a number of weeks to observe the complete advantages of antidepressants.
Some things you can attempt yourself include:
● Changing your environment: Make your environment better and sunnier by opening blinds or sitting closer to intense windows.
● Going outside: Take a stroll outside, even during lunch breaks. Aim to get as much natural sunlight as possible.
● Exercise routinely: Exercise is a terrific way to enhance your mood and to lower stress and anxiety. Studies show that strolling 20 minutes a day, 3 times a week triggers a substantial enhancement in depression. The enhancement is also long lasting!
● Eat a healthy, balanced diet plan
● Learn strategies to better handle the stresses in your life
