Storified by · Wed, Oct 10 2012 03:54:32
Is it SAD that has been bothering you for the past few years and you are eager to find remedies to this unique mood disorder? To help you in your quest, here are a few snippets that bring to the fore the various ingenious and time-tested methods of SAD treatment.
The light from a light box mimics outdoor light. This is thought to cause a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood and eases other symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy can also be used to help adjust daily sleep cycles (circadian rhythm), which may play a role in mood. Light boxes are generally used for 30 minutes or longer each morning, with bright light shining indirectly toward your eyes.
Different light boxes produce different types and intensities of light. They also come in different shapes and sizes and have different features. Light boxes are all designed to be safe and effective, but they aren't approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Research on light boxes is still limited, so it can be challenging to sort out which ones are safest and likely to work best for your particular needs. That's why it's important to understand your options before you choose one.
Ref: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder-treatment/DN00013
Antidepressant medications and talk therapy can be quite effective in treating SAD patients.
MANAGING YOUR DEPRESSION AT HOME
To manage your symptoms at home:
• Get enough sleep.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Take medicines the right way. Learn how to manage side effects.
• Learn to watch for early signs that your depression is getting worse. Have a plan if it does get worse.
• Try to exercise more often. Look for activities that make you happy.
• Practice good sleep habits.
Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs. These can make depression worse over time. They may also affect your judgment about suicide.
When you are struggling with depression, talk about how you're feeling to someone you trust. Try to be around people who are caring and positive. Volunteer or get involved in group activities.
Ref: http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/seasonal-affective-disorder/overview.html
At work, keep yourself active and challenged. Clearly understand your job description and your employer's expectations of you. Talk with your employer if you need assistance. Use resources available to you in the workplace such as human resources or an employee assistance program. Work can provide a sense of pride and accomplishment and therefore, boosts your self-esteem. Set yourself up for success by treating and managing your depression!
Ref: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression-in-the-workplace/MY00357
Tips for Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder
If you experience symptoms of seasonal depression, there are a number of different ways to cope. For mild depression, consider getting more sun exposure during the day. Take a midday walk to get as much sun as possible to help relieve symptoms. For more severe bouts of depression, consult your doctor for treatment advice. Light therapy, antidepressants and psychotherapy are all possible options, but it is important to discuss your concerns with a mental health care professional to ensure that your chosen treatment is the best choice for your specific needs.
Ref: http://psychology.about.com/od/psychiatricdisorders/a/sad-treatments.htm
The methods that have been described above have been proven to be quite effective in SAD treatment. They can end your nightmares and will help you to do away with difficulties like morning sickness, oversleeping, lack of energy, overeating, feeling of hopelessness, decreased social activity, etc. Just in case you feel more interested to know about these procedures in detail you may refer to………….
