Feeling S.A.D.?

S.A.D.: It’s not just how you feel, but it’s also a real medical condition that arrives when the days get shorter of light as Fall wanes into Winter. They call it Seasonal Affective Disorder, and, simply put, it means a major emotional change brought on by major environmental changes, including the shift back from daylight savings.

S.A.D. causes fatigue and depression, a sense of hopelessness, and social withdrawal in the majority of sufferers. People go from “blue” to despressed.

You’re not alone when feeling S.A.D.; some estimates put the range of affected Americans at upwards of 10 million people every year. The farther north you go, the greater chances you will feel S.A.D. during the winter months. S.A.D. is more common for people who suffer depression and bipolar disorder, especially those with bipolar II.

Treatment recommendations include light therapy, talk therapy, vitamin D supplements, and, for some, prescription medication.

The first and most common treatment is light therapy. You can find S.A.D. lights from major online retailers as well as speciality distributors. Feel free to reach out for a personalized recommendation. Usually people sit under their S.A.D. light for 30-45 minutes in the morning. As these lights are 20x brighter than raw sunlight, you don’t need a long time with them. Moreover, these specialty lamps are designed without the risk of UV radiation as they broadcast a very narrow band of light waves. Most find that 30 minutes a day is a great place to start, adding a few more each time, until they begin to feel relief, even up to a full extra hour of light daily. Then, when the days grow longer toward spring and summer, many cut back and even do without it during the bright summer months.

And, of course, the most natural light therapy is kind you get from taking a walk in the fresh air - don’t forget to bundle up and wear your sunscreen - even in the winter time!

As always, take good care,

Dale