Suggestions For Combating Seasonal Affective Disorder

This disorder is really a condition where someone's mood or state of mind is affected by the season or time of year. Those affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD) have a regular state of mental health throughout the year and then with the onset of the fall and winter months, grow to be depressed or moody and blue. The disorder is often referred to as the "winter blues".

Specialists attribute the trigger to a decrease in exposure to sunlight during the winter months. Since sunlight decreases with higher latitude, the length of day appears to be a factor. It also tends to be colder in the winter, with harsher conditions and storms, as you travel farther North. Younger folks appear to be diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder far more often than older individuals. This may possibly be related to a tendency of younger folks to look at seasonal factors as causal in their depression, or it might suggest a biological pattern related to aging. Symptoms also seem to be much more severe for individuals that live farther away from the Equator, because of a dramatic decrease inside the quantity of daylight hours throughout the fall and winter months. Avoiding seasonal affective disorder is possible regardless of where you live! A few basic proactive steps will ward off SAD and allow you to regain control of your mental state, regardless of the season.

Get your daily exercise. This doesn't need to be strenuous exercise - just getting out and going for 30 minute walks can make a massive difference in how you feel. You can also avoid elevators and take the stairs or go to the fitness center that's located correct outside your Tucson apartment door.

Absorb your rays. When you are home leave your curtains open to let the sunlight in - having as much exposure to the sun is one of the very best ways to avoid the symptoms. Some folks have found that a short winter vacation to a warmer climate helps as well.

Don't isolate yourself. Connect with loved ones and talk to people who you know care. Interaction with people is quite important. Even though the grey weather may possibly make you feel like hibernating - do not allow yourself to get isolated. Call a friend or loved one - whatever you do maintain your social life alive. The key would be to listen to what your body is telling you and not wait too long before taking action and making some changes.