The weather affects the world and peoples lives...as we all know already. But to what extent? I'm talking psychologically. Many of you probably
already know this, some may not....so for those who are affected by those miserable rainy days, here is why...in detail.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that affects approximately 1 in 100 people in the UK between September and April. It can
be particularly severe during December, January and February. For some people, SAD is so disabling that they cannot function in winter without
continuous treatment. Others may experience a milder version called sub-syndromal SAD or 'winter blues.
Now, the reason I decided to read up on this, is because of how I feel when it's overcast or raining. Might not sound like an area of much interest
for most of you, but it seriously affects my life, and the lives of many others.
When it's raining or cloudy, I cannot stand the white light the clouds reflect. I literally close all the curtains and blinds, and turn the overhead
lights on inside the house.The overhead lights are more of a yellow, happy light... Reason being, the light from outside gives me that 'pip in your
stomach' kind of feeling...that feeling when you just don't know what's wrong with you, but it constantly feels like something bad is going to
happen. I get nothing done...hours go by and I dawdle around the house, doing things in bits and pieces...when the day is done..I cannot fathom what I
have done with my time! But that's about as much as I will tell you...
I even wrote some poems in this one thread 'Pain, it's what's for dinner' And today I cannot believe I wrote them, yesterday was a bad
day..overcast and grumpy. Today, the sun is shining, and I'm fine.
So, here are the symptoms...
* Sleep problems - usually oversleeping and difficulty staying awake but, in some cases, disturbed sleep and early-morning
waking. * Lethargy - lacking in energy and unable to carry out normal routine due to fatigue. Heaviness in the arms and legs. * Overeating -
craving for carbohydrates and sweet foods which usually leads to weight gain. * Depression - feeling sad, low and weepy, a failure, sometimes
hopeless and despairing. * Apathy – loss of motivation and ability to concentrate. * Social problems - irritability and withdrawal from
social situations, not wanting to see friends. * Anxiety - feeling tense and unable to cope with stress. * Loss of interest in normally
pleasurable activities. * Loss of libido - decreased interest in sex and physical contact. * Weakened immune system - vulnerability to
catching winter colds and flu. * Mood changes - for some people bursts of over-activity and cheerfulness (known as hypo-mania) in spring and
autumn.
If you noticed that higher humidity is associated with certain mood states, you won’t be surprised to hear there is also a good
body of research that has investigated the link between heat and different types of human behavior, especially aggression (see, for example, Rotton &
Cohn, 2004; Cohn & Rotton, 2005; Anderson, 1987; etc.). While there’s some debate as to how strong a relationship exists between heat and violence,
this is a relationship that been undergoing research since the 1970s. At this point, it’s not in question whether a link exists, just how strong and
what the relationship exactly looks like (and whether it’s mediated by other factors, like time of day).
There is a lot you can you can do to treat it...
Light therapy has been proved effective in up to 85 per cent of diagnosed cases. Light therapy involves spending up to four hours per day exposed
to light that is at least ten times the intensity of domestic lighting. You can sit in front of a special 'light' box, allowing the light to reach
your eyes. The light box should be used in dull periods in summer and daily from early autumn when symptoms first appear. You don't need to stare at
the light and can just glance at it from time to time while your reading, working or eating. Treatment is usually effective within three to four days
and the effect continues if it is used every day. Evidence also points to the value of dawn simulation devices that gradually mimic the progressive
presence of dawn prior to a person’s waking.
To read more on SAD and how it can be treated, check out the
link
And remember....
It can sometimes be difficult living with a person with SAD, but you need to accept that they really do feel awful during the winter months.
Realise that they have no control over their behaviour and never imply that they are lazy or aren't trying hard enough. Help your friend or family
member to get as much done during the summer and encourage them to use their light or other treatment at the first signs of lethargy. Be sensitive to
their needs and don't force them to do things they are really not up to. Above all, be patient and caring and look forward to better times in the
spring.
It must be horrible for all you living with bad weather right now, all I hear about is snow, snow and more snow...Best of wishes to all of you!
Stay happy!
xox
I can't get the color codes to work on the other text, I've tied every combination...whatever must just stay the way it is now!
[edit on 23/01/2010 by jinx880101]
