SAD

As daylight savings comes around and the seasons start to change, many people realize that their mood seems to change drastically, and they do not understand why it happens. Unfortunately, SAD is a very possible reason to be blamed for this mood change.

SAD stands for seasonal affective disorder. This means that as winter approaches symptoms like anxiety, stress, irritability and social withdrawal kick in. Furthermore, seasonal affective disorder takes a toll on not only the person experiencing it, but the people around them. While females are at a higher risk of developing this disorder, males generally experience harsher symptoms.

According to an article titled “What is seasonal affective disorder(SAD)?”, Most people with SAD start having symptoms in September or October and feel better around April or May. Also, most people who live farther from the equator, where winter daylight hours are very short experience this disorder. Additionally, people who are prone to this disorder usually have had a history with bipolar disorder or clinical depression.Similarly, individuals with family history of SAD are also at a greater risk of developing the disorder.

Thankfully, treatment for SAD is possible. General treatments include medicine and counseling. However, light therapy is the main source of treatment for SAD. For example, two types of light therapy exist. Bright light and dawn simulation. According to the article titled “How is SAD treated?,” For bright light therapy, the doctor places the light box at a certain distance from the patient on a desk or table. Then, the patient sits in front of it while they read, eat breakfast or work. Next, for dawn simulation,a dim light goes on in the morning while the patient sleeps, and it gets brighter over time, like a sunrise.

All in all, being informed on the effects of SAD can help victims all around the world immensely. Many people do not realize that they have the disorder, so knowing possible treatments can benefit victims tremendously.