Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

It's The Time Of Year For SAD

In days gone by it was called the winter blues.

This is when some people would be more melancholy or depressed during the winter season.

Now, this problem is known as seasonal affective disorder, and physicians are better able to deal with it as a medical and/or mental problem.

SAD, as it is called, affects people because of the change in light. During winter, this part of the earth is the farthest away from the sun and the lack of bright light causes many to suffer mood swings and undergo behavioral changes.

Those who suffer from SAD tend to have their sleep pattern affected. They may sleep too much, but won't feel refreshed. They can have a hard time getting out of bed and may need a nap in the middle of the day.

SAD sufferers also tend to overeat, primarily focusing on carbohydrate craving or wanting sweets. This leads to weight gain.

One of the most dangerous problems of SAD is depression. Those suffering with this problem must wrestle with despair, misery, guilt and anxiety.

Normal day-to-day tasks become extremely difficult and there is a feeling of hopelessness for the sufferer.

The depression can lead to family problems as the sufferer tends to avoid company, is irritable and loses interest in sex.

Another symptom of SAD is lethargy, where the sufferer is too tired to cope and everything, even the simplest of tasks, is a chore to do.

Those with SAD often feel pain in their joints, or have stomach problems. They tend to have a lowered resistance to infections as well.

For many who suffer from SAD, the symptoms begin to show up around September annually and can last until April. The symptoms are at their worst during the darkest months of the year, primarily January and February.

Across the world, according to the SAD information sheet, the problem worsens with distance from the equator, except where there is snow on the ground. Then, SAD incidents becomes less common.

However, as bad as SAD can be to one suffering with it, there is hope and help.

Because the cause of the problem is the lack of bright light, the solution is light therapy. The sufferer can use a "light box" to help alleviate the symptoms.

The preferred level of light is about as bright as a spring morning on a clear day for most people with SAD.

Sitting in front of a "light box" and allowing the light to reach the eyes from 15 to 45 minutes a day will help reduce the symptoms.

One of the best parts of the treatment is the user doesn't have to actually look at the light, but can do other things, such as watch television or read, as long as the light reaches the eyes.

The most important thing, though, is, for those experiencing the aforementioned symptoms, to see their doctor.

If diagnosed with SAD, take the steps necessary to alleviate the problem.