Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) isn=t just a case of the Ablues@Bit’s a cyclical pattern of depression during winter months, with improvement during other times of the year. Symptoms of SAD include: tiredness and loss of energy, an increased need for sleep, craving carbohydrates, weight gain, withdrawal or general disinterest in socializing and an overall sense of hopelessness, unhappiness and/or irritability.
SAD is a manageable condition, but it is important to seek the assistance of a trained medical professional and not to self-diagnose the disorder to ensure you’re getting proper treatment.
Here are some ways to counteract the effects of SAD:
*Get more sunlight. Ways to do this are enjoying the outdoors during sun hours
and, when indoors, having a window near where one sits or works during the sunny part of the day.
*Eat healthy foods.
*Exercise.
*Spend time doing enjoyable activities with positive and upbeat people.
*Prescribed light therapy may make a difference for some people in treating the
symptoms of SAD. This involves exposure to a very bright light (usually fluorescent) for 30 minutes or more each day during the winter months.
*Some people may need mental health therapy and/or prescription anti-depressants during this time of year.
*Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs, which can impair one’s judgement when
making decisions and dealing with other people and could make SAD worse.
If you think you may be experiencing the symptoms of SAD it is important to seek the
opinion of a trained medical professional. In cases of severe depression or if having suicidal thoughts contact a medical professional or the emergency room of a local hospital immediately.
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton man killed in Jackson Co crash
Morrill pair arrested on drug, child endangerment charges
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
90 mph+ downburst winds blamed for Thursday damage
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Wamego man sentenced in second fentanyl-related death
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
Two arrested following Friday Jackson Co traffic stop
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
LATEST STORIES
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Richardson County Board approves pay raise for dispatchers
NPPD urges farmers to be safe around power lines
Arbor Day proclaimed in Atchison
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Doniphan Co Commission approves overlay projects
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested