Its been a very challenging time. The coronavirus. The election. Now winter is coming. White Plains Hospital has some tips for navigating Seasonal Affective Disorder.

For many, the shortening, colderdays can signify many months of depression. If you feel despondent the same time every year, you could be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

There is more to SAD than the acronym implies. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that lasts for four or five months until the days become longer again. This disorderaffects an estimated 10 million Americansand women are four times more likely to be diagnosed with it than men.

Researchers have found that people with SAD produce too much melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. A persons circadian rhythm, or body clock helps determine their sleep patterns, says Dr. Christopher Robles, a Family Medicine and Primary Care physician at White Plains Hospital. When theres less lightand particularly when the seasons change your body clock signals to the brain to make more melatonin so you get drowsy. Body clocks that run fast or slow can disrupt your sleep.

SAD signs

People with Seasonal Affective Disorder often develop a predictable set of signs and symptoms, which may include:

How to stop feeling SAD

There is evidence thatthe amount and quality of sleep we get is associated with the amount of vitamin D our bodies absorb, particularly in the colder months. Fortunately, Dr. Robles says, a natural source of this vitamin is readily available. You can get vitamin D from sunlight, so go outside, even if its just during your lunch break, she says It can have a positive effect on your mood.

A healthy diet can also help chase away that SAD feeling. Dr. Robles recommends eating natural foods like egg yolks, mushrooms, fatty fish and liver because theyre full of vitamin D and nutrients.

Finally, staying active can help your body and mind settle into a more restful routine. Exercising for 30 minutes three times a week can help boost your mood and relieve stress and anxiety.

Nearly everyone has days when they feel lethargic or down, and thats normal. But if you feel down for days at a time and you cant get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your primary care physician. They will be able to analyze your symptoms and help you get back to a healthier state.

Dr. Christopher Roblesspecializes in Family Medicine and Primary Care and sees patients at the Somers and White Plains practices. To make an appointment, call914-849-7075.

The rest is here:
How to Fight SAD in Challenging Times - theLoop

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