Are you SAD?

Posted by: Curt | Under: General Fitness, Health | (0) Comments

This summer here in Atlanta was brutally hot- 95-100 most every day. So now that it is absolutely perfect and in the 50’s at night/80ish during the afternoon, you would think that everyone would be happy. But the fact is that the season change is starting to be felt and not everyone responds well to that.

Personally, I hate winter.  I hate the cold and I hate the short days. I would not go so far as to say I get depressed, but it definitely has a negative effect on my mood. I like warm sunny days and winter in Atlanta is typically in the 40-50’s and rainy. That makes me SAD.

SAD is an acronym for Seasonal Affective Disorder and it affects a lot more people than realize it. Some, obviously worse than others. After reading this you might recognize the symptoms in yourself or someone you know. This article over at Reuters Health Blogs gives some typical symptoms and suggestions for treatments. For me, the best treatment would be to move to the Virgin Islands…

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According to Mental Health America (formerly National Mental Health Association) , a diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder can be made after 3 consecutive winters of the following symptoms if they are followed by complete remission of those symptoms in the spring and summer months:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood changes: extremes of mood and in some, periods of mania in spring and summer
• Sleep problems: desire to oversleep and difficulty staying awake or disturbed sleep and early morning awakening
• Lethargy
• Overeating: craving for starchy and sweet foods resulting in weight gain
• Social problems: irritability and desire to avoid social contact
• Sexual problems: decreased libido and decreased interest in physical contact

Causes

SAD may be a result of seasonal light variation. As seasons change, there is
a shift in our “biological internal clock” or circadian rhythm due partly to
these changes in sunlight patterns. This can cause our biological clock to
be out of step with our daily schedules.

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Check out the rest of the article for more resources.