Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Articles
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Back to the topHow do I choose which Light Therapy product to use?
The choice of a Light Therapy product is basically governed by your lifestyle and your individual requirements.
Back to the topWhat Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs during the winter months. Milder forms of SAD are known as the "winter blues".
What are the Symptoms of SAD?
The symptoms of SAD can vary from person to person, and are similar to those that develop in other types of depression.
Back to the topWho gets SAD?
It's extremely rare to find people with symptoms of SAD living within 30 degrees of the equator, where daylight hours are long and extremely bright. But it can affect people anywhere else in the northern and southern hemispheres - from Scandinavia, in the North, throughout Europe, in most of North America and North Asia, and as far as the southern parts of Australia and South America. Some people even get SAD in summer, during dull periods.
Back to the topWhat Causes SAD?
When the light passes through the eyes into the brain, serotonin is released. During the fall and winter, there is less daylight than in the spring and summer, which causes a drop in the body's serotonin levels.
Why do we have seasonal mood changes?
Most of us feel better when the sun is shining - more cheerful and energetic. On grey, gloomy days, especially in winter, we tend to feel less enthusiastic, more inclined to stay indoors or even in bed, to do less work, to socialise less and to eat more. The reason for this is the change in the quality and quantity of light.
Back to the topWhat else can I do to help myself?
We know that being outdoors throughout the winter isn't a cure, because many farmers and outdoor workers have SAD. But, it's still worth making the most of the available light. Go outdoors in natural daylight as much as possible, especially at midday and on bright days. Inside the home, choose pale colours that reflect light from outside. Sit near windows, when you can.
Back to the topHow can family and friends help?
It's not always easy to live with someone who has SAD. It's like being with two different people, one who is lively, cheerful and energetic, during the summer, and the other who is sleepy, morose and irritable, during the winter.
Are there any other treatments for SAD?
Talking treatments, such as counselling, psychotherapy or cognitive behaviour therapy, or in severe cases of SAD, SSRI antidepressants,
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
SAD is a depression that happens when dark winter days keep your body clock from resetting every day.
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