Mind Visualization

As we move into the fall and winter months, it is good to be aware of the winter-based Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For those afflicted with this syndrome, the fall and winter months are not filled with happiness and joy. Instead, in severe cases, those afflicted with the disorder, may need to be hospitalized and even have thoughts of suicide.

There are well documented scientific data showing that there is a significant increase in the incidence of those affected with SAD at locations where there is less daylight; either due to shortened daylight hours or significant cloud cover or both.

As always, the information presented here should not be misconstrued as medical advice. Every individual’s situation is unique and we encourage and want you to discuss and consult with your doctor or trusted healthcare professional for medical advice.

Does This Describe You?

These are some symptoms of Winter Seasonal Affective Disorder to be aware of as skies darken and daylight hours become shorter:

• Mental depression, feeling blue
• Lethargic, energy level drops, sluggish, feeling like you’re dragging
• Decreased concentration (poor performance in school during this season)
• Avoidance in social situations, wanting to be isolated
• Change in sleeping and waking patterns
• Coping and sensitivity issues, irritability
• Craving for sweet or starchy food, weight gain

Do not panic just because you have these symptoms. It does not necessarily mean that you have SAD but it is good to be aware of what the symptoms might mean. Even if you do have SAD, milder cases can benefit from some simple in-home strategies.

SAD Therapy

According to the Mayo Clinic, the treatments for the winter-based Seasonal Affective Disorder are:

• Ionized-Air Reception or Negative-Air Ionizers
• Light Therapy
• Medication
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Melatonin Hormone Treatment

These therapies may be used separately or in a combination prescribed by your healthcare professional.

One simple alternative is with the Ionized-Air Reception Therapy involves introducing negative-air ionization charged particles into the air. This therapy has been found to show improvement in approximately half of those studied for this method of SAD therapy.

Some like to use tanning beds to get their dose of sunlight. However, exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays may prove to be counter-productive in this regard.

The simplest and least invasive way that you can minimize or prevent mild episodes of winter-based SAD, and one anyone can implement in their home, is with the use of artificial light. When used correctly, light therapy SAD lamps have shown to significantly help win the fight against those winter blahs and anyone can purchased these without a doctor’s prescription. These lamps have proven to be very effective at doses between 2,500 and 10,000 lux; at measured exposure times.

You may not need a SAD desk lamp but there are many types of SAD light products to meet your needs; so it can be easy to enjoy what the fall and winter seasons bring this year.

Related posts:

1. Lack Of Sleep Can Destroy Your Health And Life
2. Sleep Disorder, Anxiety Disorder And The Cure – An Insight View
3. All You Need to Understand About Melatonin