When you are initially diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder, one of the discussions you will have with your doctor is regarding your treatment options.  Although some people assume that SAD is merely a case of the winter blues, it is in fact a type of depression.

SAD Left Untreated

Because SAD is a medical condition and mental illness, many doctors worry that those who suffer from this condition will get worse if their condition is not treated.  Most likely, SAD will reoccur each winter season.  And, as time passes the period of SAD can be longer and the symptoms may get worse.

Treatment Options

In order to prevent worsening symptoms from SAD, treatment options should be obtained.  These options should be evaluated and then you should determine which course of treatment is best.  Ask your doctor if you have questions.  Take into consideration your lifestyle and medical history when you are choosing a treatment.  Some people opt out of light therapy because they are too busy to sit in front of the light boxes.  They prefer other options.  Others, prioritize their treatment and will wake up earlier or multi-task and perform light therapy at the same time they are doing another task.  However, the best option is typically the one that works best for you.  Yet, it should also be one that gets results.

When you are sad, many times one of the side effects you will experience is overeating.  Why?  Food often serves as a source of comfort to individuals.  Eating some ice cream, chocolate, or a cookie can serve as a nice pick me up when you are down.  For this reason, individuals that are suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder often experience symptoms of appetite changes during the wintertime.

Winter Weight

Although the appetite changes can be different for all patients, many SAD sufferers tend to put on weight during the winter.  Why?  They sit around, sleep more, and when they are feeling down they turn to food.  And, they often choose items that are unhealthy to comfort them because they are feeling depressed.  When the summer arrives, most patients notice that they have put on weight during the winter.

SAD Diet

If you suffer from SAD, you might consider talking to your doctor about a good diet.  You do not want a diet to be a source of stress to your life that further aggravates your symptoms.  However, you also do not want to eat poorly because your mood is out of balance.  Instead, figure out the right foods to eat during the winter to remain healthy.

Seasonal Affective Disorder affects many individuals every winter season.  This type of depression can be mild or extreme depending on how affected you are by it.  And, often the severity of SAD can depend on the decisions of the person.  Although you may not feel like your usual self during this time, it is important to engage in lifestyle decisions that will reduce your SAD symptoms and increase your happiness during this time.

Go Outside

Although the weather might be colder during this time, it is important that you do not stay indoors throughout the winter.  Make sure that you try to spend some of your time outside.  Layer your clothing so you are warm.  And, while you are outdoors, enjoy the beauty of nature and all that it offers.

Open The Blinds

In addition, when you are indoors, make sure that your house is not dark.  Keep your blinds open so that the home environment is brighter and lighter.  You will be surprised how this will affect your happiness.

Exercise

Staying active will help enhance your mood.  And, during the winter, many of us tend to sit a lot.  Instead, change it up and take a walk.  If you can, walk outside.

Ten years ago if you were taking prozac, you probably considered hiding it from those you knew.  Why?  You did not want people to think you had mental problems.  The stigma surrounding depression was not a positive one.  In fact, many people avoided treatment for mental illnesses because of the negative stigma that has surrounded them.

Mental Illnesses Are Not Your Fault

Over the years, much research has been done, and the resulting information has been conveyed to explain to people that those that suffer from mental illnesses have a problem that needs to be treated much like the flu or asthma.  Problems like anxiety and depression are results of chemical imbalances in a person’s body.  Therefore, it is difficult for an individual to simply get better without help.  Instead, medical attention is needed.

Many People Seek Medical Help

Thankfully, many individuals are recognizing that they can benefit from medical help and they are seeking it out.  The stigma that was attached to mental illnesses is decreasing.  And, there is more information than ever to fight these conditions.  Even specific types of depression like Seasonal Affective Disorder are treatable today with medical attention; so do not put off your visit to the doctor.