Winter months can hit some harder emotionally than others. People particularly vulnerable to seasonal moods during the fall and winter get slammed with low and depressive moods that are difficult for them to shake. If you feel some of these symptoms only during the fall and winter seasons then you may have SAD.

SAD SYMPTOMS

While SAD is a form of depression, there are a few symptoms which is particular to this particular ailment. Common elements of SAD include loss of energy, lethargy, chronic oversleep and increased appetite with a corresponding weight gain only during the affected seasons.

Other symptoms are more psychological. Intense anxiety, withdrawal from friends and family, difficulty focusing and concentrating on tasks are common to seasonal affective disorder sufferers. Women may experience increased PMS symptoms. In fact women are most susceptable to SAD as 70% to 80% of SAD victims are women.

Some typical SAD symptoms include:

* mood problems only occur during the fall and winter, disappearing in spring and summer

* chronic sadness

* excessive sleep

* loss of energy

* deep regret

* loss of motivation

* lack of interest in friends and family

* excessive weight gain

* lack of motivation

Seasonal affective disorder like any other mood disorder can be complicated and there may be more than one treatment for curing SAD.

Geography can also play a factor in contracting this disorder. People who live in extreme northern areas or extreme southern areas are more likely to contract SAD than others. Long winters and lack of light can contribute. Light therapy can be used to help those with SAD cope with the symptoms and achieve a normal lifestyle.

SAD QUIZ

You may be wondering if you suffer from SAD. Why not take this mini quiz and find out.

1. Are your feelings about the weather actively inhibiting your life?

2. Are you so unhappy that you’re unable to perform basic tasks?

3. Are you sleeping significantly more hours per night, and do you still have trouble waking in the morning?

4. Has your spouse or your boss complained about your change in behavior?

4. Has your spouse or your boss complained about your change in behavior?

5. Do you feel seriously depressed only in fall and winter (as opposed to simply grumpy or out of sorts)?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, it’s possible what you’re experiencing is SAD. The encouraging news is that there are cures for SAD. In fact there are multiple ways to alleviate SAD and bring energy and light back into your life.

TREATING SAD WITH LIGHT THERAPY

You will find that psychotherapy, drugs and SAD therapy lights are the three most common treatments for SAD. As it turns out SAD light therapy is one of the most effective and least expensive treatments found for SAD thus far. Non invasive, no side effects and easy to self administer SAD lamps are some of the benefits. For some simply sitting beside one of these special light boxes for a few minutes a day is enough to alleviate SAD symptoms. Look for web sites that discuss light therapy usage online with guides and ideas for SAD light usage, treatment schedule and SAD light shopping tips.

Related posts:

1. How to Cure Anxiety for SAD People
2. Do You Know What Depression Truly Means?
3. Get Helpful Information About Anxiety Disorder Treatment