Medical health care information

SAD is more common that you might think. In the Midwest , faced with the condition of less sunlight, coupled with colder weather, many people experience an autumnal/winter phenomenon called as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). In the United States ,half a million people may suffer from winter depression. This reality appears to be more common in women than in men.

The common symptoms of SAD generally begin to appear in the fall with the time change and gradually get worse until spring when in April the time change occurs again.

SYMPTOMS OF SAD :

•Increased sensitivity to social rejection

•Avoidance of social situations

•A change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods

•Weight gain

•Feel heavy in the arms or legs

•A drop in energy level

•A tendency to oversleep or fall asleep

•Difficulty concentrating

•Irritability

•Fatigue

You may suffer from SAD if you have mentally checked off four or more of these symptoms. Actually, these symptoms often occur and therefore should viewed in their totality. With that stated, it is equally critical to talk to your physician to rule out other causes that may mimic SAD. It is very important to know how to treat seasonal disorder.

In Chicago, biting winds and cloudy skies can make even the hardiest person feel blue. But for some people, the reality of less sunlight coupled with the cold weather can cause real emotional problems. If you think you may have SAD, please talk to your physician or therapist. Effective treatments are now available, which can help you work through the emotional lows of wintertime. And cheer up - spring is just around the corner!

Some people have reported the following as being helpful in treating this SAD:

• Physical Activity: small changes in your level of physical activity can help you realize more energy and motivation for important daily activities. Check with your doctor first before starting any activities that require physical exertion. You can  consider light aerobic exercise, such as walking or using a treadmill.

• Talk therapy: talk about your feelings of depression, anxiety and lack of energy to a therapist can sometimes lessen the symptoms. Plus, a therapist trained in working with SAD may be able to offer useful coping tools.

• Anti-depressants: there are a wide variety of anti-depressants available that are used to treat SAD. After talking to your physician, they may prescribe something to help you to alleviate some symptoms.

• Light therapy: using a specially made light box. Every day, you sit in front of this device for a certain length of time. Generally, light therapy takes about 30 minutes throughout the fall and winter. You can find these light boxes online.

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