What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. SAD is sometimes known as “Winter depression” because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter.
A few people with SAD may have symptoms during the summer and feel better during the winter.
Symptoms of SAD can include:
- a persistent low mood
- a loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities
- irritability
- feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness
- feeling lethargic (lacking in energy),sleepy during the day and becoming less sociable
- tearfulness, low self-esteem and feeling stressed and anxious
- sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning
- craving carbohydrates and gaining weight
For some people, these symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day activities.
The symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are similar to those of normal depression, but they occur repetitively at a particular time of year. They usually start in the autumn or winter and improve in the spring.
The nature and severity of SAD varies from person to person. Some people just find the condition a bit irritating, while for others it can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day life.
A small number of people will experience these symptoms in phases that are separated by “manic” periods where they feel happy, energetic and much more sociable.
Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), medications and psychotherapy.
Don’t brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the “winter blues” or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.
There are other ways to help improve the symptoms of SAD. A regular Reflexology treatment to help relax but at the same time will help to improve. A lovely Aromatherapy Massage using essential oils to help relax and calm but at the same time lift mood, refresh and revive the mind.
The Aromalyne Revitalise Rollerball contains a blend of essential oils which aims to do this. By using everyday the lovely aroma helps to clear, refresh and stimulate the mind, uplifting and revitalising and helping to improve your mood. Sweet Orange, Geranium, Lavender, Basil, Peppermint, Myrtle, Frankincense, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Eucalyptus Grapefruit, Lemon, Rosemary and Tea Tree Essential Oils all work together to uplift, refresh and revitalise, lift low moods and clear a foggy mind!
So, there are a number of different ways that can help with the symptoms of SAD. It is about finding the right way for you!