Seasonal Affective Disorder : (S.A.D.)

We're kayakers. We love the outdoors and beautiful sunny days. But this time of year in most parts of the U.S., those days aren't as plentiful. Dreary weather can become the norm and it can effect us in a negative fashion... some more than others!

Everyone has days when they feel down, but if you feel that way for days at a time or you can’t get motivated to do things you enjoy, you may be one of the 10 million Americans who suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). The short days and long nights of fall and winter may trigger feelings of depression, lack of energy, increased need to sleep, craving for sweets, weight gain and a weakened immune system. Symptoms may start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses.

There are things that you can do to treat SAD. For mild cases you can spend more time outdoors or sit closer to bright windows while at home or at work. For more severe cases, phototherapy therapy – the use of light boxes and dawn simulators can be used. This involves sitting in front of a specialized light box so you are exposed to very bright light. It’s easy to use and has relatively few side effects. In the most severe cases your doctor may prescribe anti depressant drugs.

If you are one of the people with this disorder, stick to the treatment plan suggested by your doctor. Make your home sunnier and brighter by opening up blinds and trimming tree branches that may block the light. Get outdoors on sunny days, even in winter. Outdoor light, even when the sky is overcast, provides as much or more light than a light box. Take long walks, studies show that symptoms improved when individuals took a one-hour walk outside daily. Regular exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can increase SAD symptoms. Get enough rest, eat a balanced diet and take time to relax. Stay connected with the people you enjoy being around. Make the Holidays a time that keeps you healthy.