If you have seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, treatment can help prevent complications, especially if the disorder is diagnosed and treated in its early stages before symptoms get worse. According to Mayo clinic.com: “It’s normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you can’t seem to get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy (especially during this holiday season when social life should abound), see your doctor. This is particularly important if you notice that your sleep patterns and appetite have changed or if you feel hopeless, think about suicide, or find yourself turning to alcohol (drugs) for comfort or relaxation.”
Who might be more inclined to suffer from this illness? A review of the risk factors of the illness reveals that, while women tend to be diagnosed more frequently than the opposite sex, men may have more severe symptoms. Living far from the equator appears to produce the onset of SAD in larger numbers during the winter season due to the belief that sunlight (or lack thereof) is involved. As with other forms of depression, genetics seems to play a role here as well. If you already have clinical depression or bipolar disorder, depression symptoms tend to worsen seasonally, mainly in winter.
What treatment is available for sufferers?
1. Get help from a recommended psychiatrist and therapist: as with other types of depression, antidepressant medications and talk therapy can be very effective. Make sure you take the medicines right away at their prescribed times and doses. Learn how to manage their side effects.
Cathy Segarra, our Sun City Centegra nurse, also gave the following recommendations:
2. “Get enough sleep.”
3. “Eat a healthy diet.” The American Psychiatric Association informs us of the following: “Diet can have some effect on SAD. Certain essential fatty acids, like omega-3s, might help depression.” The association tells us to find omega-3 fatty acids in cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines/herring, as well as in certain nuts and soybean, canola oils, and flax. They also caution to avoid eating simple carbs, like sugary foods. The APA also claims that, according to a 1993 review of medical studies, a diet abstaining from simple carbohydrates helped those with SAD control moods. Do talk to your physician before eliminating sugars and simple carbs from your diet.
4. “Try to exercise more often.”
5. “Look for activities that make you happy.” Try to be around people who are caring and positive. You will always feel better when you look outside yourself by volunteering to help those less fortunate than yourself.
6. “Light therapy should be done with supervision with a professional, especially if you have eye disorders. A check-up with your eye doctor is recommended before starting any light therapy/treatment.” Segarra added, “People who take drugs that make them sensitive to light, such as certain psoriasis drugs, antibiotics, or antipsychotics, should avoid light therapy.”
Segarra can also offer good news: “Usually with treatment and change of seasons, outcomes will be good. [You] need to be aware if symptoms get worse; seek help with a professional licensed provider.”
Sun City residents: Enjoy the holidays! Get glad, not SAD!
