Many people find that during the winter months they become depressed quite easily. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is something many people has to face each year. If you are unfamiliar with this condition and think you may have it, or a family member may be suffering from it, this article can help you understand what it is and what the treatment options are for you or a loved one.
What are the symptoms of SAD? There are some symptoms of SAD that you should look for if you are feeling depressed. The first is a lack of energy. You simply do not feel like doing anything. You also may find that you are oversleeping and overeating. That leads to weight gain because you are not as active as you typically are during the rest of the year. You may have difficulty concentrating or completing tasks. You may even find yourself shutting yourself away from friends and family more as the depression takes a deeper hold. If you experience any of these for a prolonged period of time, more than a week, then you should see your physician.
How often does SAD affect people? SAD can affect people differently. Some people can recognize that they are withdrawing from social events, family or friends and adjust so that they are constantly busy. Others get drawn deeper and deeper into the depression. It can make them lash out at others uncharacteristically. It can make a person more pessimistic then they typically would be under a different situation or season. Some people experience great weight gain because they are inactive which can lead to sinking even farther into the depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects each person differently so it often is hard to diagnose and correct with the right medications or therapies.
Are there support groups for SAD? Yes, there are support groups for SAD. The best place to find information about support groups from people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder is your local mental health clinic or physician. You can also try searching the internet. A great website filled with many compassionate people can be found at www.dailystrength.org. You have to register for an account and you will need to post as much information about your diagnosis as possible. You can then invite friends and family members to join to help support you. You can even set goals for yourself and have other community members help support you in achieving those goals.
Are there any homeopathic remedies for SAD? Technically light therapy would be a homeopathic remedy for SAD. That being said there are also vitamins and supplements you can take. You can even buy melatonin to take on a regular basis but you must be careful. Homeopathic remedies and such are not regulated by the federal government and there are no guarantees. You may want to contact your physician first and find how what he or she recommends before you begin self-medicating.
Winter depression, also called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a condition that many people suffer with every year. Visit our site to learn more about beating winter depression.