Download Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
How to Combat the
Winter Time Blues
Submitted by:
Keith Tankersley
Ohio Wesleyan University
What is SAD
 Also known as “Winter Depression” or “Winter
Blues”.
 Is a mood disorder in which people experience
depressive symptoms in the winter.
 First described and named in 1984 by Norman E.
Rosenthal.
 People can also experience SAD in the summer,
spring, and fall.
Causes of SAD
 What causes SAD is not known, but it is
thought to be related to numerous things
like:
 Ambient Light
 Body Temperature
 Hormone Regulation
Symptoms of SAD
 Difficulty waking up in the morning.
 An interrupted sleeping pattern
 Morning sickness.
 Tendency to overeat and oversleep.
 Weight gain.
 Lack of Energy.
 Difficulty focusing and completing a task.
 Withdrawal from family, friends, and social activities.
 Feelings of hopelessness, depression, and lack of
pleasure.
Treatment of SAD
• Light Therapy
o Using a special lamp to mimic light from the sun.
o Gives the body Vitamin D that it lacks in the Winter time.
o Person must sit in front of the light for at least 30 minutes three times
a week.
• Medications
o As with other forms of depression, antidepressants seem to have a
positive affect.
•
Talk Therapy
o Talking with a trained professional about the issues and feelings one
is facing.
More Ways to Fight SAD
 Vitamins
 Multivitamins
 Omega 3
 Vitamin B6
 Get Outside
 Even though it is quite chilly, get outside and enjoy some good
ole’ mother nature.
 Fresh oxygen will help lighten the mood.
 Exercise
 Doing physical activities releases “pleasure hormones” and
makes you a happier person!