SAD

   SAD Seasonal Affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression. It typically occurs for most people at the beginning of fall and can continue through the winter months. Some other cases of SAD can start in the spring and continue through the summer. SAD occurs at the same time every year and can make a person feel very moody. It is most commonly found in women. [|More Information On SAD]  Symptoms: During the fall & winter: During the spring & summer:
 * Depression
 * Hopelessness
 * Anxiety
 * Loss of energy
 * Social Withdrawal
 * Oversleeping
 * Lack of interest in things that were enjoyed
 * Appetite change
 * Weight gain
 * Problem concentrating
 * Anxiety
 * Trouble sleeping
 * Irritability & Agitation
 * Weight loss
 * Poor appetite
 * Increased sex drive

Diagnosis: If you think you have SAD you need to make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will make a thorough examination asking you questions, performing a physical exam, or possible medical exams. In order for a doctor to diagnose you with SAD you must have had these things happen:
 * You have experienced the symptoms and depression for at least two consecutive years during the same season every year.
 * The periods where you have felt depressed are followed by periods where you do not feel depressed.
 * There are no other reasons to explain your depression or behavior.

Treatment: Treatment for SAD may include Psychotherapy, Light therapy, and medication. Psychotherapy can help identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that may be making you feel worse. In light therapy also known as phototherapy, there is a specialized light therapy box that you sit a few feet from so that you are exposed to a bright light. Light therapy mimics outdoor light that causes a change in brain chemicals linked to mood. This treatment has few side effects and is easy to use. Although unclear on how it works or how effective, light therapy is still widely used. Medications benefit most people with SAD that have severe symptoms. Common medications include Bupropion and other antidepressants. [|More About Light Therapy]

Managing Daily Life
 * Keep busy, It reduces the amount of time for looking inward, feeling miserable, and worrying about life problems
 * Minimize alcohol consumption. alcohol is a depressant
 * Make good use of natural sunlight
 * Listen to music
 * Humor
 * Get plenty of exercise

[|Watch this video about SAD]

