Face Seasonal Affective Disorders Confidently

All the medical systems accept that seasonal changes taking place in nature make adequate changes in the human body also. As a result, variations occur in the normal biological and physiological processes. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian Medical System, states that seasonal changes have much influence over our body and so they affect the bodies which are weaker in immunity and cause changes in moods and sometimes diseases.

Seasonal changes cause depression in our minds, which in turn, lead to seasonal affective disorders (SAD). This SAD condition is marked by recurrent episodes of depression in certain months usually due to shorter daylight hours. In tropical countries like India also this seasonal changes affect the body and mind leading to change of moods and diseases.

Usually those affected by this kind of disorders become depressed in the fall and winter and feel better during spring and summer. There are persons also who become depressed in summer.

WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Women and children are easily affected as their immunity system is weaker. Studies say that many people with seasonal disorders report that at least one of their close relative is affected with a psychiatric condition of severe depressive disorder or alcoholism.

SYMPTOMS OF SAD

Usually this type of depression begins in October or November and subsides in March or April depending upon the overcast weather and decrease in indoor lighting. They may have the common depression symptoms like lethargy, decreased sexual appetite, thoughts of failure and neglected ness, sometimes even suicidal thoughts, lack of interest in normal activities, hopelessness, social withdrawal, oversleeping and so on.

Some people experience depression in summer also along with rising temperatures. They may have insomnia, decreased appetite, weight loss, agitation and anxiety. Normal air condition is not sufficient for such people.

HOW TO FACE SAD

1. Suitable light arrangements can help these people with bright, fluorescent light, which may work by altering the levels of certain brain chemicals. This better light therapy will reverse the winter depression symptoms.
2. Antidepressant medications may also help.
3. Many psychiatrists suggest taking advantage of sunlight by scheduling time outdoors each day to counteract the depressing affects.
4. Ayurveda suggests some herbal decoctions or soups to balance the heat of the body and refresh both body and mind.
5. Medical help from the physicians or psychiatrists may be sought if necessary.

Seasonal changes are inevitable. The difference in the structure of the individual body system causes the seasonal affective disorders. They should be diagnosed properly and treated. If they are not taken care of in time, they may lead to unwanted consequences!