S.A.D. 2
Posted by: Frank Walker LMFT | November 29, 2023
Seasonal Affective Disorder.
SAD is a type of depression that happens during a certain season of the year—most often fall and winter.
There is no clear cause of SAD. Less sunlight and shorter days are thought to be linked to a chemical change in the brain and may be part of the cause of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
SAD happens and for some it can cause serious problems, depression, anger, and suicidal thoughts.
It’s that time of year.
Shorter days, dark skies and of course the cold, chilly weather.
The tendency is to stay inside, hunker down and watch the tube. Oh. all those Christmas show.
The holidays are coming and food we really don’t need is readily available. Too much food.
All of these factors can lead to seasonal affective disorder tendencies.
We need to be aware of this possibility and take measures to combat the effects of the season.
In the last post I emphasized light as the number one thing you can do to reduce SAD.
So get out in the sun and if there is no sun get some artificial sun light for your home.
The second thing you can do is exercise.
Yes, exercise.
Get your heart rate up and your body moving.
Winter can cause you to be sedentary even more than usual.
Exercise increases the production of feel good hormones in your body.
Just a few minutes each day will help your mental outlook this season.
You know you need to exercise and you no the simple things you can do to get your heart rate up.
This is not an exercise blog. But do get some exercise.
Okay, I talked about exercise and you know what comes next.
Watch what you eat.
Stick to the stuff thats good for you. Fruit and vegatables instead of chocolate and chips.
I know the holidays are a tough time with all the gatherings and festivities. Just be aware of your limits and temper you appetite.
SAD can really have an effect on your mood and mental state.
Be aware of this and fight it through positive steps of sunlight, exercise and a healthy diet.
Frank is a retired marriage counselor living on the central coast.
Check out all his blogposts at
walkertherapy.wordpress.com
and check his YouTube channel
“A Marriage Minute”
@ Frank Walker LMFT
http//youtube.com/c/FrankWalkerLMFT
Frank has written several books that are available @
http://www.blurb.com/user/store/frankjwalker
Frank is an artist with 31 years of teaching experience.
If you would like to see his art, check out his Instagram page @
FWalker927
Or his art website @
Frankjwalker.com
