Dealing With SAD

The holidays are a time to celebrate and spend time with family and friends. It is the season to put up the lights and decorate, to send out the cards, plan the parties and exchange our gifts. A time to be happy and spread that holiday cheer. As they say, "Joy to the world". 

But for some it is not a time for hymns or carols, rather they end up singing the blues. Those same days and nights that for many are happy holidays can for others become the misery known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Seasonally depressed people tend to eat and sleep a lot more than normal. Many of SAD’s symptoms — which include irritability, low energy, and feelings of hopelessness — also appear in depression. Seasonal depression may become more pronounced during the times when so many people seem to be having such a good time with family and friends.

Do not brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. You can take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.

SAD is a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you are like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer.

Some treatments for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications. Meditation and other stress reduction exercises and activities may also be helpful. If you feel overwhelmed do not try go it alone. There are many resources to help you get through these times that you find so difficult. Talk to your mental health professional. Look for online and telephone support groups. Speak with family, friends or co-workers about what you are going through. Help is out there.
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