Depression is a condition that many individuals are treated for everyday. Anti-depressants are among the leading prescription medications to help fight the symptoms of depression and even anxiety.  As depression has become more widespread, the medical world has learned more about this disease.  Not only does it affect more people than was once assumed, but there are also specific types of depression.  One type of depression that is common today is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.

SAD

SAD is a type of depression that results from lack of exposure to the sun.  It presents itself during the fall and winter months as the sunlight fades and there is less daylight.  The symptoms of SAD are very similar to that of depression.  However, one of the main differences is that SAD leaves the sufferer when the winter is over and the sun begins to shine again.

Beware Of The Cycle

One fact that many individuals are not aware of is that this type of depression is cyclical.  If you develop SAD, you are going to be depressed next winter and the winter after that.  It is not typically a depression that you might get one winter.  Instead, it is something more serious.  These winter blues will return every year; therefore you will need to talk to your doctor about how to treat them.  Whether you rely of prescription medication or SAD therapy lamps, it will be important that you do not let the depression worsen during these winter months. 

One of the best methods to help individuals determine whether or not they have Seasonal Affective Disorder is to keep a record of their moods and activities.  SAD is a type of depression that occurs seasonally.  Therefore, those that suffer from this disease will notice a pattern emerging in their records as the seasons change. 

Predictable Pattern

After documenting this pattern or even reviewing your past history, this pattern should be something that is predictable.  For example, you should know that every winter season your mood changes.  Maybe you become more anxious.  Therefore, when winter is coming again, you can anticipate a change in your mood.

Do You Have Sad?

One of the best ways to determine if you have SAD is to go through your records and past history and see if a predictable pattern emerges.  If you notice a pattern of two or three common symptoms of SAD emerging every winter, than you might have the condition.  The following are good questions to ask regarding your behavior and/or feelings as the season change: 

Do you have less energy?
Do you sleep more and wake up still feeling tired?
Does your mood change?
Do you feel less creative and/or productive?
Do you experience weight or appetite change?
Do you have difficulty concentrating?
Do you change social behavior patterns?
Do you find it more difficult to deal with your daily stress?
Is it difficult to find joy in the future and your life in general?

Like any medical condition out there today, Seasonal Affective Disorder is treated a variety of ways.  Obviously, each method prescribed is your doctor’s choice for the best treatment option for you specifically.  And your doctor will take into consideration the severity of your condition as well as other factors that could either make it worse or better.  Chances are, however, he or she might suggest one or more of the following treatment options. 

Drugs

SAD is considered a type of depression.  Today, the most common way to treat depression is with the use of prescription medications. Due to the prevalence of depression in today’s society there are many anti-depressants available.  The trouble with taking drugs to treat SAD is that the condition is temporary.  It is a seasonal problem that comes back every winter.  Therefore sometimes medication is ineffective or even overly effective.

Phototherapy

Light therapy is a common way to treat SAD without medication.  According to research, it is effective in 85 percent of cases.  Invasive phototherapy requires patients to remain in light that is approximately 10 times stronger than their normal lighting.  However, there are also SAD therapy lamps that many say work well and are effective at treating SAD symptoms.

Go Outside

In addition, many people that suffer from SAD may not be spending enough time outdoors.  If you are one of these individuals, try spending a little bit more time outdoors to take in some of the natural light.  It could greatly elevate your mood and minimize your symptoms – especially in milder cases. 

If you ask anyone, they would tell you that the female is the more emotional of the sexes.  Females are more naturally emotional, sensitive, and compassionate.  And while males do possess these attributes, they typically are not as strong as they are in women.  These traits just come more naturally to women.  Most of the time they empower women to do very good things and are generally beneficial.  However, there are times when this softer side can be a detriment. 

Women With Mental Health Issues

Many women commonly struggle with mental health issues today.  There are many reasons for the problems they deal with.  Sometimes they have a lot of stress in their lives.  Other times it is related to a hormonal problem.  At it’s root, though, a mental health problem is a physical problem, a sign that the system has gotten out of balance.  When this happens, they are more susceptible to common conditions like depression and anxiety.  One other condition that is more commonly diagnosed in women is SAD. This type of depression is also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.

SAD

SAD is a type of depression that occurs seasonally.  It is a result of lack of sun exposure and occurs every year during the winter months causing depression.  Although you would assume that both men and women would develop this type of depression the majority of patients treated with this condition are women.  If you are a female that is struggling mentally this winter, there could be a chance that you might have SAD. The good news is that SAD is treatable using full spectrum lights. Talk to your doctor about your health concerns and get help.