Coping With Seasonal Affective Disorder Effectively

By Daniel Cole


Seasonal affective disorder is another type of depression, which usually occurs during the winter period that brings on various behavioral changes a person's life. During spring and summer, they will improve. However, in the winter it can be extremely difficult and coping with seasonal affective disorder is never easy for the individual.

In saying that, there are ways of dealing with this crippling disorder. It can depend on the individual. For some people, it will not be as severe and they will be able to manage their daily tasks. They feel slightly more sad during these times. However, for others it can be a time where they will look outside at the grey clouds and simply feel like sleep all day.

Many family members don't understand what you are going through. People often don't understand what is causing this, and friends can even turn the disorder into a joke. However, this is very real and needs to be taken seriously. It is not simply the fact that you are feeling a little blue because you are cold or you dislike the rain and the grey clouds.

It can be caused by the lack of serotonin or the biological clock which is not functioning as it should be. Fortunately, there are treatment options available, such as counseling and deep therapy. There is light therapy available which one can do in the home environment. There are antidepressants which psychiatrists are able to prescribe. These methods have all been successful in the past.

After you have been diagnosed, it is important that you talk about your feelings and your emotions. There are many professional people that can help with this. They will not only deal with the mental aspect, but they will offer practical advice. This is important when that you are unable to get up in the morning. At this time, you will need a basic plan to help you stay motivated.

There are other types of therapists who can help someone to deal with their confidence, self esteem as well as their medication, which is often necessary. It obviously depends on the severity of the disorder as well. Child psychologists may be helpful for the teenager who is suffering from this. Parents need to watch out for kids who display changes in their behavior.

Light therapy has also be very successful over the years. Many people find that seasonal affective disorder is the cause of their biological clock which has been disrupted. Bright light treatment, is therefore an option an option worth considering. This comes in the form of a box which is placed on a table while you are working. It means that you will be avoiding the darkness that affects the mood.

Getting involved in an exercise program will help you raise your serotonin levels. It doesn't mean that you have to spend hours in the gym. Sometimes, you have to start off with baby steps. It may mean going outside and going for a gentle stroll around the block or taking the dog for a walk. You may benefit from running on the treadmill for a few minutes.




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