Prevalence Of The Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
October 31st, 2009 by Rosana Horowitz
Have you ever noticed how you feel more energetic, out of bed and active, more in summers as compared to winters? How a rainy day makes us feel a bit down and sunny days make us feel more cheerful. There is an actual scientific reason for a human body to react this way, and it is directly proportional to the amount of sunlight we are exposed to, and the levels of melatonin, and serotonin in our body.
The term Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) refers to a type of depression, which is associated with the shortening of days towards the winter season. As the days become shorter, the exposure of body to sunlight is less than the summer months when the days are longer hence, “winter blues” settle in.
Initiating from the fall season, and sticking until the end of the winter season, this disease usually depends on the harshness of the weather. You will see the symptoms more when the weather is intense, and the days become shorter hence, you can never really predict exactly when SAD begins. Apart from winters, the disease can arise during summers sometimes too.
For the people suffering with this kind of depression, symptoms include low energy levels, fatigue, mood swings, and irritability, lack of concentration and carbohydrate craving leading to weight gain. For those suffering in summers may suffer insomnia, weight loss associated with lack of appetite, and general irritability. In some severe cases, thoughts of suicide have been reported.
Research has proven that the chances of getting affected by this disease can be many, and are increasing day by day. Factors such as family history of depression, and living at a long distance from the equator are also observed in patients of the disorder. Such people seldom get any sunlight, and if any ancestor had this disease, they are more prone to develop it.
Reasons for the occurrence of this disorder are not specific or known yet. The likely reasons would be the genes of a person, age, and chemical balance in developing this disorder. More specifically circadian rhythm, or what is more generally termed as the internal clock of our bodies could be disturbed by the reduction in sunlight and bringing on a feeling of depression.
The disease affects people who are severely depressed and not following an everyday routine. It is suggested for them to visit an expert psychologist or psychiatrist. These people offer several sessions and therapies to help them in recovering from SAD including light and psychotherapy or some drugs to fight depression.
Other useful remedies for lessening the symptoms are; making your surroundings brighter by painting the rooms in white or yellow, dress in bright colours, keep the blinds open so more sunlight can enter the room, and try sitting by the window at your office, and home to get more sunlight. Try to spend more time outdoors by taking long walks, and exercise, as it will reduce stress, and the outdoor light will help these dealing with the symptoms immensely.
Rosana Horowitz is an health expert. She is helping people in getting out of depression and she has recommended many products like sunrise system. You can use it for living a depression free life. For more details visit http://www.bodykind.com.
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