Recognizing and Managing SAD

In times of great stress of adversity, it’s always bets to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.  -Lee Iacocca  

We are now at the beginning of the winter season, which means the real possibility of developing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  This condition is a seasonal depression that comes about during the cold, dark, and overcast days of winter.  Millions of people are affected world-wide, and often times those symptoms can become so severe that day-to-day life is disrupted.  Many people may suffer from SAD, but may not even be aware of what is happening to them.  SAD is like a case of the blues, although the symptoms can be far more devastating.  Recognizing that we may have a problem and then taking steps to confront it are crucial to overcoming SAD and regaining control of our lives. 

Symptoms of SAD are similar to that of depression, but are increased during the winter months.  Loss of interest, lethargy, sadness, and inability to focus on the task at hand are common symptoms of SAD.  Should you believe these symptoms are happening to you do not delay in seeking treatment.  Make an appointment with your doctor and discuss options for managing your moods and emotions during the winter months.  Along with seeing your doctor, consider these strategies for managing your mood and outlook during the cold and bleak winter months:

 

• Take advantage of any available sunshine.  No matter how cold the weather may be, make an effort to get out into the sunshine whenever possible.  The other day the clouds parted and for a blessed few hours the sky was clear.  I spend a brief period of time just walking in the sunshine and the results were amazing.  My mood was elevated for the rest of the day.  I did not imagine this and it truly works.
  

• Take time to enjoy a hot beverage.  Don’t ask me to explain it, because I can’t.  I just know that there is something wonderfully soothing about a hot cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or hot tea on a cold and dreary day.  Take time during the day to try a hot drink of some kind.  You may be surprised at the result. 

• Practice random acts of kindness.  Be on the lookout for ways to do something nice for others.  Practice these acts of kindness for no other reason than helping others.  The reward is the knowledge that we have made a positive difference in someone’s life. 

• Get connected and stay connected.  Call up and old friend and invite him or her out for lunch or just coffee.  Sitting around all day feeling sorry for ourselves will only intensify the negative feelings with which we are struggling.   

Remember that springtime is just around the corner.  In the meantime, rise up, get going, get busy, and get happy. 

It’s going to be a great day!