SAD in the Winter

Many people feel a little down during the winter months and this is a normal reaction when the weather is cold, wet and windy and the days and nights are dark. For many people this time of year leads to what is known as seasonal affected disorder or SAD for short and this is different to just feeling down it is a serious medical condition. Unfortunately because of financial restrictions, job obligations and family commitments its not often possible to jump on a plane, jet of to a sunny climate and exotic location and lay on the beach soaking up the sun and wait out the winter months before returning home. However treatment is available for this depressive disorder and the sooner you receive treatment the sooner the symptoms of SAD will reside. Treatment for SAD includes: Light Therapy - Since the primary cause of seasonal affected disorder is thought to be the result of the reduction in the amount of sunlight during the winter months when the days and nights are dark it is not surprising that light therapy is a safe, effective and popular solution to treating the symptoms of SAD. This form of therapy uses a light box that emits a specific light intensity (10,000 lux) and is used on a daily basis during the winter months for 15 - 30 minutes. When using the light box you will need to sit at a certain distance away from the box explained in the manufactures instructions and look in the general direction of the light box rather than stare. When using the light box you can read, watch television, eat food or serf the web or make a phone call to keep yourself from getting bored. For many people this form of treatment often results in a rapid improvement in overall mood, sleeping and eating patterns. Medication - For many people a visit to the doctors and a prescription of antidepressants alone or combined with light therapy bring about the desired results. However these drugs can have side effects and when a depressive episode ends you will need to be slowly taken of medication to avoid withdrawal. Both of these issues should be discussed with your doctor before taking medication. Once you find a form of treatment for seasonal affected disorder that works for you and that you feel comfortable with then each year before the winter begins the light box can be taken out of storage or a new prescription of medicine can be provided by your doctor and seasonal affected disorder nipped in the butt.