There is a perplexing mental condition known as SAD disorder. The acronym stands for seasonal affective disorder and affects many people every year. Experts believe it is the lack of sunlight that causes the depression and lethargy associated with this condition.
You may be suffering from this if you only get depressed and run down in the winter months for no good reason. There are some treatment methods that can help you combat the problem so your winter can be a happy one.
One of the most common treatments is light box therapy. There are special boxes that emit light which is very similar to sunlight without the skin damaging UV rays. Your doctor or psychiatrist will tell you how to use the box. Usually you just position yourself in front of it for the amount of time prescribed. When used as directed, these light boxes can be quite effective for many sufferers of this condition.
Your medical professional may also recommend other forms of treatment to be used with or without a light box. Antidepressants might be prescribed, however some people have to try different medications before they find the right one for them. Talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended also as a means of treatment. When used with these other methods it certainly cannot hurt to learn coping strategies from a mental health professional.
So if you think you might be suffering from SAD disorder, you should see a doctor right away. They are the best person to help with this. You don’t have to deal with sadness, despair, fatigue or any of the other symptoms of this condition. There is help, and you can spend your winters feeling energetic and happy with the right type of treatment. This is something to be discussed between you and your doctor and/or psychiatrist.
Learn more about sad disorder and read other related articles at our health and beauty website.