Seasonal affective disorder is a specific condition describing symptoms arising in the dead of winter involving hypersomnia, hyperphagia and depressed mood. It differs from classic depression which has depressed mood, but usually decreased and disrupted sleep and anorexia. Dysthymia has variable physical systems, but consistant feeling of depression and hopelessness. Separating out neurochemical as opposed to psychological forms of depression is key, but SAD is a very specific disorder.
SAD is common in people of Scandinavian decent and believed to be genetic. Sleeping a lot and overeating when awake, combined with a loss of interest in other activities, may have helped one to survive the brutal winters. Just staying inside eating and sleeping beat fighting giant snow drifts. Light therapy, basically extending the days length, in very effective. But what if you get winter depression and you’re not Scandinavian?
The post holiday blues and winter doldrums leave many people struggling. Less daylight and decreased outdoor activities can make things worse. We can all learn from SAD patients by increasing our light exposure and activity levels. It’s also important to monitor sleep and eating cycle to keep regularity. Exercise takes on an even bigger role when there is little outdoor leisure time.
Monitor your moods and learn to recognize patterns. Change the simple thing when you can and take more definitive action as needed. Don’t let depression take hold and stay this winter! It makes you wonder how they ever got anything done during the winter in the far North.
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