With every winter comes shorter days, less light and a likelihood to have winter depression. Many people are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder, known appropriately enough as SAD, and symptoms include short temper, lack of ambition and a general feeling of ill-health when the days get shorter. In this state, a large number of people tend to have some constant low-grade illness and a bit of emotional and physical discomfort. If you are strongly affected by SAD, or you suspect you might be, there are quite a few things that you should know!
SAD can be a big problem that you face every year, but this doesn’t have to be inevitable. Back in 1984, a psychiatrist co-published a paper dealing with the effects of bright light therapy on those who have SAD. Subsequent work has solidified the fact that the the use of lights on people who suffer from this disorder show definite improvement in their sense of well-being. This treatment has even has an effect on people who are experiencing anxiety and depression.
One of the theories behind the usefulness of light therapy is that people who suffer from severe SAD and seasonally related depression are more light sensitive than most. The majority of people might be able to get plenty of light through indoor lighting, but indoor lighting might actually be insufficient to effect people who have problems with SAD. Similarly, a lack of light can mean that the brain processes that stimulate serotonin and dopamine production are slowed, something which can certainly affect mood. Another theory behind the effect of light is that it can help with a patient’s circadian rhythms. Treatment with bright light therapy can help a person’s brain figure out when they ought to be awake. Are you familiar with how fatigued you will feel when you’ve not had enough sleep? Some psychiatrists believe that SAD is partially related to your body feeling like it does not get sufficient sleep and therefore, you feel ill at ease. The use of brilliant light can help encourage your body to wake up and become more alert in general.
If someone you love suffers from SAD, you must realize that there are ways to eliminate it. Take a look at your condition and think about whether light therapy will give you the help you need to survive the winter and even enjoy it!
