With it being the gloomiest months of the year, we wanted to talk about some things that could be affecting you or a friend. We will be talking about SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), the symptoms, and ways to cope with it.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a condition in which a person experiences a significant mood change when the seasons change. SAD is not considered a separate disorder but is a type of depression. SAD is triggered by the changing of seasons. This form of depression usually occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight, and the days get shorter. SAD seems to lift during the spring and summer months. SAD usually does not occur in people under the age of 20. The risk of SAD increases with age and is usually more common in women rather than men. Less sunlight and shorter days are thought to be linked to a chemical change in the brain and may be part of the cause of SAD. Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone, also has been linked to SAD. The body naturally makes more melatonin when it's dark. So, when the days are shorter and darker, more melatonin is made.
There are many different symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder and can vary from person to person. Some symptoms may include:
Sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Fatigue and decreased energy
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Oversleeping
Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates
Weight gain
Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”)
Difficulty sleeping
Lack of appetite
Irritability and agitation
Miss Etheridge a member of the Hornets Safety Nest says that there is a variety of coping methods used to deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Some of those methods include:
Eat Protein
Drinking Water
Getting Vitamin D or Morning Sun
Cold Water Plunge cold
Cold Water/Ice Pack on the Stomach, Back of the Neck, Forehead, wrists, etc.
Fresh Air
Plenty of Sleep
If you are feeling down or need to talk, talk to a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, a family member, or talk to one or more of the Hornet Safety Nest members Miss Hughes, Miss Ethridge, and Miss Stanton.
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