Could your 'Holiday Blues' be Seasonal Affective Disorder?

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Could your Disorder?
'Holiday
Blues'
be
Seasonal Affective
12-02-2016 By Sehat
People feel depressed or sad owing to a number of
reasons. However, some such phases of sadness are
accompanied by events or time. A lot of people
who feel they are having holiday blues may
actually be undergoing a condition called SAD or
seasonal affective disorder. It starts in the
fall and persists throughout the cold and dark
days of winter . But a lot of affected people
actually have no clear idea about it and
associate it with the holiday blues. It affects
people living in areas where winter daylight
timing is pretty short.
What are the reasons behind winter blues or SAD?
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While the onset of winter days triggers the
feeling of depression in people, there are
underlying reasons- as per the experts. The main
reasons leading to the onset of SAD in people
are Age Family background Sex Lack of sunlight
Specific foods Researchers have found that women
are more prone to developing this disorder than
men. Especially, women who stay far from the
equator and those with a family history of SAD
are more susceptible to form a seasonal
depression. Interestingly, young people are more
vulnerable to developing SAD than older ones.
The main symptoms of seasonal affective disorder
Before you can seek treatment for this condition,
it is necessary that you know about its
main symptoms. These are Tiredness Depression
Spell of crying Overeating- and weight
gain Shorter sleep cycle
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Irritability Hardship in focusing A lot of
affected women and men also report tendencies to
think of suicide. The doctors also try to
analyze family history of the patients to find
out if they are more vulnerable to SAD.
Diagnosis and treatment options for SAD
People who think they are undergoing SAD should
do better to make lists of their life
changes, medications, so that the doctor can
detect the disorder easily. In some cases, the
affected lot is asked to undergo mental
examination and even blood tests.
There is actually a treatment for seasonal
affective disorder and you can try the one that
suits you.
Phototherapy This is what a majority of SAD
victims are asked to undergo to get relief. This
therapy helps human brain generate serotonin and
eventually leads to happiness. Small, lightboxes
are used in therapy. If you think these are
costly make it a habit to go out during daytime.
You may also adopt measures to let more sunlight
in the rooms of the house instead of keeping the
heater on- more so at daytime. When you work if
office, take small breaks to spend a few minutes
in sunlight if possible.
Working out
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Well, you may not have time for joining a gym,
but light to moderate working out to help
victims of SAD, say the psychologists. You may
try light exercises at home for at least thrice a
week for 20 to 30 minutes to feel better. As per
the views of Psychologist Donna Dawson,
Regular exercise is a great way to avoid the
threat of low moods - it gets the blood flowing
and releases
feel good endorphins, which are nature's instant
mood lifters. You may even do light yoga at
home for the same effects. Trying aerobics moves
also help people fight off the blues.
Nutritional therapy People do not realize the
food they eat may affect their mood in winter
days. In winter, you feel like eating the so
called comfort foods more! To ensure you stay
unaffected by SAD in winter months, you should
eat more oily fish including sardines and
mackerels. Doctors also think the affected lot
can eat Brazil nuts as they have selenium. This
mineral intake can help boost production of
serotonin, a hormone which makes you feel good.
Human interactions
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A lot of psychologists feel interacting with
other people when you feel symptoms of SAD can
be the best way to overcome it. You can talk to a
friend or colleague with whom you have a high
comfort level- both genders. Talking with a
counselor is also an option for such people. If
you do not have friends staying nearby talking
over phone also works. Words of compassion,
support from close ones can do wonders to erase
the feeling of sadness.
Antidepressant medication In some cases, the
doctors treating such victims may offer
antidepressant medications. However, keep in
mind that relying only on medications is not
prudent for getting lasting relief from SAD.
Going out
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It is true that on some winter days you hardly
get any sunlight and the sky is clouded
and gloomy. However, what ever natural light and
fresh air is there can help lighten up your mind
say the doctors. Go out in the morning to get
some fresh air or walk in the park to shake off
the feeling of sadness. Even if the air is
chilly it is likely to do you good, say the
experts. However, it should be done when there
is some light in the atmosphere.
St John's Wort This herb has been used by
various races to treat depression. The herb
actually has benefits similar to
anti-depressants. However, you should not resort
to using St John's Wort without seeking medical
advice. Its application can sometimes interfere
with some medications and leads to health
complications.
A vacation If you find none of the above
therapies bring the required output- pack your
bags and go for a small vacation. It can be for
a couple of days as well to a place of your
choice- whether it is a mountain region or
seaside city.
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Summing it up
It is quite evident SAD is caused by lack of
exposure to sunlight, which disrupts natural
clock of your body. The effects are more in mind
than body and so keeping the mood light is what
you need to do. Resorting to outside activities
like gardening or cycling can also help lighten
up your mood. Sometimes, you may also get
benefit by combining some of these therapies for
SAD.