The fall has arrived!
As the days are getting shorter, the rainy, grey and foggy days – especially in this part of the world – are more frequently visiting, and the long winter nights are waiting to “knock on the door,” Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can follow as an unwelcome guest. SAD can build up slowly in the late fall and winter months, and the symptoms are most often the same as what we see in depression:
- Your appetite may increase and lead to weight gain.
- In the afternoon, your energy level may decrease, and you find it more difficult to concentrate.
- You can find yourself sleepy during the days, and sleeping longer than usual at night.
- Work and leisure activities can suddenly feel less interesting and inspiring.
- Socializing with others may feel undesirable, and you may notice that you are withdrawing into yourself.
- Happiness and contentment may turn more into unhappiness and irritability.
PREVENTION
There are a few actions you can take to prevent or ease the effects of SAD:
- Taking long walks during the daylight hours and getting exercise can make the symptoms better.
- Keeping active socially, even if it involves some effort.
- Keeping up a healthy diet with all necessary nutrients, and eating regular meals throughout the day.
- Your primary care physician can make a diagnosis by asking about your history of symptoms, and also do a physical exam, check if your D-vitamin levels are normal, and take blood tests to rule out other disorders that are similar to SAD.
TREATMENT
Antidepressant medication, and psychotherapy can be effective.
Light therapy using a special lamp with a very bright fluorescent light (10,000 lux) that mimics light from the sun may also be helpful. Follow your doctor’s instructions about how to use light therapy. A common practice is to sit a couple of feet away from the light box for about 30 minutes every day. This is usually done in the early morning to mimic sunrise. Keep your eyes open, but do not look straight into the light source. Symptoms of depression should improve within 3 – 4 weeks if light therapy is going to help.
If you are taking medications that make you sensitive to light, such as certain psoriasis drugs, antibiotics, or antipsychotics, you should always consult with your primary care physician before starting light therapy, and a check-up with your eye doctor is also recommended before starting treatment.
With no treatment, symptoms usually get better on their own with the change of seasons. However, your symptoms can improve more quickly with treatment.
Mindful Trauma Therapy ~ Federal Way, WA 
This is helpful information. I’m going to add a link to this post on my blog.
Thank you for adding the link on your blog!