Sunday, November 4, 2012

More than the Cooler Weather Blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D)



 The Fall season is in full swing and I couldn't be happier.  The summer months here in Atlanta seemed extra hot and I'm just glad to finally have some reprieve! These 70 degree days are so perfect for the cute sweaters, boots and blazers that I've been wanting to wear.

However, for some people the sight of falling leaves and cooler temperatures bring on the blues.  These people may deal with depression, feelings of hopelessness, unexplained fatigue and difficulty concentrating.  These are all symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, also known as S.A.D, a condition that usually occurs during the late fall and winter seasons (some forms occur during spring and summer). Like other forms of depression, S.A.D. affects women more than men.

Other symptoms include:

  • Social withdrawal
  • Appetite change
  • weight gain
Treatments include:
  • Light therapy (phototherapy)
  • Getting more sunlight
  • medications 
  • psychotherapy
  • exercise

If you think that you may have seasonal affective disorder, please see a doctor and get back to enjoying all of the seasons of life!





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