With Autumn time upon us, I have posted information which might be of help to you. Gives you facts, common signs,causes and how to take positive action.

 

What’s SAD

When the change in seasons have a great effect on your mood and energy levels, and lead to symptoms of depression that have a significant impact on your day-to-day life.

Common Signs

Lack of energy for everyday tasks

Concentration problems

Sleep problems

Depression, feeling sad, low, tearful, sometimes hopeless and despairing

Mood changes

Anxiety – tenseness and inability to cope with everyday stressess

Theoretical Causes

Lack of light (the hypothalamus, rules sleep, appetite, sex drive, temperature, mood and activity)

Low Serotonin, the mood regulator

High Melatonin levels, the pineal gland and hybernation (trials have shown that even after the Melatonin levels have returned to normal, most people continue to experience the depressive symptoms of SAD)

Disturbed body clock

Traumatic life events

Taking Positive Action – Reducing Symptoms

Make the most of natural light  (doesn’t cure but can reduce symptoms)

Reduce stress (keep stressful events to Summer)

Exercise and eat well

Visit somewhere with more light

Consider using a light box

Improve your support network