SAD but True: Seasonal Affective Disorder
Welcome to the beginning of Winter. For some people, this phrase makes them feel cozy and relaxed, ready to spend more time inside. For others, the winter season triggers real unhappiness. Shorter hours of sunlight and colder temperatures mean that we have less time to enjoy being in nature.
For some, winter is a time when they are more likely to get
the blues. Less physical activity may contribute to sluggishness. Cold weather
causes our posture to hunch forward, causing us to turn inward a bit more. And
for many people, the holidays that are meant to bring light into the dark time
of the year just cause stress or trigger sadness for lost friends and family.
These types of blues can be combated with finding an indoor arena for regular
exercise (a gym, your home, indoor sports like soccer, volleyball, gymnastics,
swimming or dance). Healthy eating and sleeping habits will also help regulate
moods. Plan your holidays carefully to include things that really make you happy-
a day or two dedicated to rest and reflection all on your own, time with family
and friends that includes favorite foods or traditions, or volunteering to help
serve food or give shelter to people who need it. Even a trip away can be the
answer to shedding winter doldrums or holiday stress. If you suffer around the
holidays due to the loss of a loved one, consider joining Hospice of Petaluma’s
Holiday Blues group, a weekly meeting (In Petaluma Tuesdays from 6-7:30 Nov.
14-Dec 26; call 778-6242) . Or attend the Light up a Life tree lighting, where
you can participate in an inspiring tree-lighting to honor loved ones for
hundreds of people in
SAD is a more serious depression than the winter blues. SAD is caused by an imbalance in the hypothalamus triggered by reduced sunlight that causes moderate to severe depression. A good webpage giving information about SAD is The Seasonal Affective Disorder Association webpage at: http://www.sada.org.uk/index.htm .
Main symptoms are described here (fatigue, depression, carbohydrate craving) and well as how to differentiate clinical and sub-clinical SAD. Treatments include light boxes (many websites sell these), antidepressants and therapy. Chinese medicine is a great solution for people that do not want to take antidepressants, as acupuncture and herbal formulas can treat mild to moderate depression successfully.
Just knowing that a regular acupuncture treatment, herbal formula, light box or increased exercise can make your winter as happy as any other time of the year is cause for celebration. I’m all for turning SAD into happy.
Wishing you the best of health,
Marian