Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and is a type of depression that occurs when you develop symptoms of depression during the darker winter months each year. Winter blues or sub-syndromal SAD (S-SAD) is a less severe form of the condition. Approximately between 3-6% of the population of the UK and Canada are thought to experience SAD. Many more, perhaps as many as 12-13% of people, have winter blues. It is thought that SAD is due to low exposure to sunlight. The theory is that activity in the brain caused by sunlight affects the level of certain brain chemicals (serotonin and melatonin) that have a direct affect on mood. With less sunlight during the winter months, changes in the balance of these chemicals may cause depression.
A fantastic solution for people prone to SAD or (S-SAD) is to use UV light boxes (Light Therapy). This treatment consists of sitting in front of a special bright light for a session each day. If you think you might have SAD talk to you doctor and he/she will be able to recommend the correct light box and treatment for you.
Another way to deal with the winter blues is to exercise. A review of studies stretching back to 1981 concluded that regular exercise can improve mood in people with mild to moderate depression. It also may play a supporting role in treating severe depression. Exercise will naturally boost your serotonin levels as well as relieve symptoms of depression. A study published in 2005 found that walking fast for about 35 minutes a day five times a week or 60 minutes a day three times a week had a significant influence on mild to moderate depression symptoms. Exercise will also help boost your immune system, so getting active during the winter is a very good idea.
Finally, winter blues sufferers often reach for the typical comfort foods which are high in refined sugars and refined white flour to feel better. These foods lead to a quick high followed by a nasty blood sugar crash, making you even more vulnerable to depression. Try whole grains and foods with more fiber. They will keep you from going through the blood sugar crash that leads to the low mood.
A fantastic solution for people prone to SAD or (S-SAD) is to use UV light boxes (Light Therapy). This treatment consists of sitting in front of a special bright light for a session each day. If you think you might have SAD talk to you doctor and he/she will be able to recommend the correct light box and treatment for you.
Another way to deal with the winter blues is to exercise. A review of studies stretching back to 1981 concluded that regular exercise can improve mood in people with mild to moderate depression. It also may play a supporting role in treating severe depression. Exercise will naturally boost your serotonin levels as well as relieve symptoms of depression. A study published in 2005 found that walking fast for about 35 minutes a day five times a week or 60 minutes a day three times a week had a significant influence on mild to moderate depression symptoms. Exercise will also help boost your immune system, so getting active during the winter is a very good idea.
Finally, winter blues sufferers often reach for the typical comfort foods which are high in refined sugars and refined white flour to feel better. These foods lead to a quick high followed by a nasty blood sugar crash, making you even more vulnerable to depression. Try whole grains and foods with more fiber. They will keep you from going through the blood sugar crash that leads to the low mood.
RSS Feed
