Simple Steps Can Reduce

Seasonal Affective Disorder

FARMINGTON – The estimated 25 million Americans who suffer from “Seasonal Affective Discorder” are in the eye of the storm: the disorder typically strikes between mid-October and early December when days become shorter. To minimize the impact of decreased sunlight on people who may be prone to SAD, a University of Connecticut Health Center expert recommends a common-sense approach for most people.

“People who notice that they are experiencing a few of the symptoms of SAD can take steps to alleviate this problem,” explains Andrew Winokur, MD, of the health center.

“For people with more severe symptoms that interfere with their lives and their happiness, we recommend seeking professional help. Professionals are familiar with studies that have repeatedly proven the effectiveness of treating this disorder with light therapy, and in some cases, anti-depressant medications,” he added.

Medical professionals can also determine if an individual is experiencing a more serious illness or depression, Dr Winokur stressed.

SAD is not a one-time experience, nor is it the same thing as depression. Rather, it is a collection of symptoms that recur at the same time year after year, Dr Winokur explains. Some symptoms of SAD include the blues; feelings of sadness; decrease in physical activities, lethargy; anxiety and irritability; increased appetite, food cravings, and weight gain; changes in sleep patterns, typically sleeping more and feeling less rested; problems at work; interpersonal problems; and muscle aches and pains.

For people experiencing some of these symptoms, Dr Winokur recommends they learn more about SAD and increase their exposure to light, especially at the beginning and the end of the day. Try to exercise outdoors just after dawn and/or just before dark.

If you can’t exercise outside, be sure to exercise indoors every day. Walkers can retreat to malls, or join gyms, or use other indoor sports arenas like swimming pools or skating rinks.

Control weight. Avoid overloading on carbohydrates, which can lead to sluggishness.

Be mindful of regular sleep patterns; avoid over-sleeping.

Try to think positively.

For people who suffer from a multitude of SAD symptoms, and find these symptoms to be interfering with their lives, their happiness and their ability to function, Dr Winokur strongly recommends seeking professional help. From that point, individuals can be guided in seeking appropriate light therapy and other steps.