Feeling Blue? Prepare for Seasonal Depression (SAD)

Depression has serious repercussions. It negatively impacts relationships and causes missed work or school time. Additionally, it can result in chronic illnesses including diabetes and “heart disease.” Fortunately, depression is curable and if treated medically, doctors prescribe medication for depression. The term “depression” refers to a period of more than two months. During this period a person feels hopeless and unworthy, and in the worst cases, suicidal. Depression obstructs daily tasks and social engagement, much like anxiety disorder.

A little melancholy in the bleak winter months is common. But the Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is much more severe. People who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) experience “depression.”  It occurs because of a change in the seasons and affects all aspects of a person’s life, including how they feel and think.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? 

SAD is a kind of depression that happens every year around the time of winter. Although it occasionally occurs in the spring or summer, it mostly occurs in the fall and winter. This illness typically begins between the ages of 18 and 30 and is more prevalent in women than in men. The fundamental hypothesis is that a chemical imbalance in the brain is brought on by a lack of sunlight. Also, 0.5 to 2.5 percent of people in North America suffer from seasonal depression.

Seasonal Depressions: Symptoms & Management

SAD’s most typical signs and symptoms include:

• Moods of sadness
• Feeling dejected
• A sense of helplessness
• Having issues sleeping
• Lose interest in past hobbies or interests
• Feel exhausted and lethargic all the time

People without a history of depression often experience it either after having a heart attack or upon learning they have heart failure. On the other hand, individuals who already have depression are more likely to develop a “heart disease”. A direct correlation between the two conditions is difficult to establish. Though, it is reasonable to state that those who have experienced a heart attack or are already dealing with heart disease are more prone to feel depressed sentiments of sadness and hopelessness. When the symptoms become intense, they result in severe depression. Severe depression needs serious medical intervention and strong social support for the sufferer.

If you know someone who suffers from depression or SAD, it’s a good idea to prepare yourself for handling cardiac emergencies. Take an online CPR course from American HealthCare Academy and learn how you can save a life. Our courses are 100% flexible, free of cost, and come with a money-back guarantee. You will receive a free wallet card after you have passed the test. And you only have to pay a one-time fee while downloading your certificate. OSHA-trained instructors have designed our CPR training course. It is nationally accredited and accepted.

The effective management of SAD starts with understanding the ways to deal with its onset and severity. SAD sufferers often feel exhausted and sleep more than normal. Additionally, they often overeat, especially carbs, which results in weight gain. As winter wears on, symptoms could worsen. The good news is that SAD can be successfully managed by several different methods:

1. Lightbox Therapy is beneficial, especially from early autumn. It may aid in preventing the onset of SAD during the winter. The light boxes or the light therapy lamps are used in this therapy. They produce broad-spectrum ultraviolet light to simulate outside light. Even 30 minutes a day spent in front of a lamp has several advantages. Many people use it while sipping their morning coffee, reading the news, or eating breakfast.

2. Treatment management of SAD may also include medication. The Food and Drug Administration has authorized antidepressants for the treatment of SAD. For those who have a history of SAD and are aware that they can get it, these drugs may be beneficial to them.

3. There are many self-care measures you can follow all year long that could lower your risk of getting SAD. These include engaging in regular physical activity, adhering to a sleep/wake routine for getting a sound sleep, sticking to a healthy diet, and minimizing intake of sugary foods.
   
4. Additionally, going outside on sunny days can have a positive impact on your state of mind. Clear days can be dazzlingly bright as the sun’s rays reflect off the white ground. Natural sunlight exposure can also provide relief.

Conclusion

When a depressed person experiences a heart attack or is diagnosed with heart disease, they frequently get despondent. They fail to take crucial medications, which hinders their capacity and speed to recover. Prepare yourself to help someone you love by taking the online CPR course from American HealthCare Academy. You can register on our website or get in touch with us. SAD can be prevented and treated. So go to your doctor if you’ve ever received a diagnosis or if you suspect you have it. Additionally, because of the seasonal nature of this ailment, symptoms will start to lessen in the spring as the days get longer.