SAD - Seasonal Affected Disorder
With every winter comes shortened days, less time in the sun and a likelihood of winter depression. Lots of people are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder, known appropriately enough as SAD, and symptoms include anger, lack of ambition and a general feeling of malaise when the days get shorter. In this state, lots of people are more prone to constant low-grade illness and plenty of emotional and physical discomfort. If you are strongly affected by SAD, or you suspect you might be, there are several things that you should know!
SAD can be a large difficulty that you face every year, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Back in 1984, a psychiatrist published a paper dealing with the effects of brilliant light therapy on those who suffer from SAD. Subsequent investigation has verified the fact that the the use of lights on people who suffer from SAD show definite improvement in their day to day dealings. This treatment has even has an effect on people who are experiencing depression.
One of the theories behind the usefulness of light therapy is that people who suffer from severe SAD and seasonally related depression are more light sensitive than most. Most people might be able to get enough light through indoor lighting, but normal indoor lighting might actually be insufficient to be effective on people who have problems with SAD. Similarly, a lack of light can mean that the brain processes that stimulate seratonin and dopamine are depressed, something which can definitely affect mood.
Another theory behind light’s effect is that it can help with a patient’s circadian rhythms. An application of bright light therapy can help a person’s brain figure out when they ought to be awake. Are you familiar with how fatigued you frequently feel when you’ve not had enough sleep? Some scientists believe that Seasonal Affective Disorder is partially related to your body feeling as if it does not get enough sleep and therefore, you feel ill at ease. The use of a bright light can help your body to wake up and become more alert in general.
If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, you need to realize that there are ways to improve it. Take a look at your condition and consider whether light therapy will give you the treatment you need to endure the winter and even enjoy it!