Feeling unusually sad? Chances are, you might have SAD
To Health With It
Ahh ... Leaves are turning golden-red and brown, the wind is brisk and chilly, the sun comes out later and it's already sunset when I head to the library. My breath puffs out in little clouds, the stars seem brighter and everyone is getting their yearly flu shot - autumn!
Weather affects me in a lovely way, but not all people are so. Seasonal changes in weather can have detrimental effects on many people both physically and mentally.
The physical part is obvious - it gets colder, you may not dress well enough, it rains, you get cold more easily, your immune system is more susceptible, you get sick.
But other than being a pain in the bum because now you have to wear gloves and galoshes and get shots, how would weather affect you mentally?
Many people suffer from a type of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Although the exact numbers are unknown, it's estimated that up to six percent of the U.S. population suffers from SAD, and between 10 percent and 20 percent of people suffer at least mild symptoms of SAD.
SAD is much more common in adults than children, and up to 70 percent of all cases of SAD are in women. SAD is more often a winter affliction, when the days become shorter and there is less available daylight.
However, some people suffer from summer SAD. This is generally referred to as Reverse SAD.
SAD is thought to be related to the changes in the body's exposure to sunlight, which could trigger changes in amounts of chemicals in the body.
Symptoms of winter SAD are similar to symptoms of normal depression: fatigue, changes in mood, sleeping patterns and appetite, difficulty concentrating and weight gain. These symptoms go together: Generally people with SAD have extreme fatigue and therefore sleep a great deal more.
SAD often affects a person's ability to concentrate and enjoy things they normally like to do. Weight gain concurs with the change in appetite - but unlike normal depression, where there is a common loss of appetite and weight, SAD may cause cravings for starchy, sugary foods and a tendency to overeat.
Weather affects me in a lovely way, but not all people are so. Seasonal changes in weather can have detrimental effects on many people both physically and mentally.
The physical part is obvious - it gets colder, you may not dress well enough, it rains, you get cold more easily, your immune system is more susceptible, you get sick.
But other than being a pain in the bum because now you have to wear gloves and galoshes and get shots, how would weather affect you mentally?
Many people suffer from a type of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Although the exact numbers are unknown, it's estimated that up to six percent of the U.S. population suffers from SAD, and between 10 percent and 20 percent of people suffer at least mild symptoms of SAD.
SAD is much more common in adults than children, and up to 70 percent of all cases of SAD are in women. SAD is more often a winter affliction, when the days become shorter and there is less available daylight.
However, some people suffer from summer SAD. This is generally referred to as Reverse SAD.
SAD is thought to be related to the changes in the body's exposure to sunlight, which could trigger changes in amounts of chemicals in the body.
Symptoms of winter SAD are similar to symptoms of normal depression: fatigue, changes in mood, sleeping patterns and appetite, difficulty concentrating and weight gain. These symptoms go together: Generally people with SAD have extreme fatigue and therefore sleep a great deal more.
SAD often affects a person's ability to concentrate and enjoy things they normally like to do. Weight gain concurs with the change in appetite - but unlike normal depression, where there is a common loss of appetite and weight, SAD may cause cravings for starchy, sugary foods and a tendency to overeat.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Lisa Ely
posted 11/26/08 @ 10:22 PM EST
Jey Lisa ELY!!
Post a Comment