February 28, 2022 Submitted By Judy A. Dunal, MD, a Hingham resident and an internal medicine primary care provider at Brigham and Women’s Harbor Medical Associates in the Hingham Shipyard
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterized by a clinically significant mood change that typically occurs with change of season, more prominent in the winter months with less daylight hours. Some people do have symptoms in the spring to summer season change.
Symptoms of SAD can include feelings of sadness, melancholy, moodiness, anxiety and a general malaise. Some people may experience carbohydrate craving, increased appetite, increased fatigue and sleepiness. Others may experience insomnia.
Treatment suggestions include:
1. Stick to a schedule for meals, sleep and routine activities. It is easier to accomplish tasks if we maintain a regular rhythm.
2. Try to get a little sun or light exposure; timing activities to take advantage of outdoor ambient light can be helpful in uplifting our mood. Some people even purchase light boxes to keep in their homes to extend and intensify the amount of light they receive. This may be reimbursed by some flexible spending plans.
3. Connect with others; social connections make us feel better and less lonely.
4. Optimize nutrition and try to avoid processed foods and beverages.
5. Regular exercise can help boost natural endorphins or ‘happy’ chemicals in our body.
For people who begin to feel more overwhelmed, or when sadness or mood changes influence your daily activities, always reach out to your PCP for assistance in management or triage to counseling.
You can learn more about how Seasonal Affective Disorder and how to manage your health during the winter months from the experts at Brigham and Women’s Hospital on the Brigham Health Hub.
Judy A. Dunal, MD is a Hingham resident and an internal medicine primary care provider at Brigham and Women’s Harbor Medical Associates in the Hingham Shipyard.
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