Years ago I moved to a different state. The sky would look like this for months.
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Text book SAD, Seasonal Affected Disorder. SAD is caused by your circadian rhythm being off kilter, plus increased melatonin, and decreased amounts of serotonin. SAD is cyclic and usually goes away with the seasons. SAD can occur in the fall winter months as well as spring and summer months.
Fall/Winter SAD is characterized by
depression, loss of energy and interest in activities, social withdrawal,
oversleeping, appetite changes, and difficulty concentrating. Spring/Summer SAD is characterized by anxiety,
insomnia, irritability, agitation, weight loss, poor appetite, and increased
sex drive.
SAD
isn’t considered an official psychiatric disorder, however take it SAD seriously.
If you have complications like suicidal thoughts, social withdrawal, school or
work problems, and substance abuse see a physician or psychiatrist to get an
accurate diagnosis.
Otherwise
consider these suggestions to manage your symptoms.
Let
the Sunshine in - Open the curtains or blinds in your home to let light
through.
Go
outside - Be outdoors on sunny days. Take walk or sit outside for a few hours.
Regular
exercise - We know exercise relieves stress and anxiety by boosting all the
good hormones.
Take
care of you - Eat a balanced diet, sleep
enough, and relax a little.
Manage
Stress - Unmanaged stress can cause depression, overeating, and other unhealthy
thoughts and behaviors. Honestly, put down that bottle, it isn’t going to help you.
Socialize
- Connect with people you enjoy, they can offer support. But not boring people,
forget them.
Take
a trip - Take a trip in a sunny warm location.
Or if taking that trip is not possible, I can
recommend spending some time in a sauna, or slathering on a high SPF sun block,
and spending a few minutes in a tanning bed. Mind you I don’t endorse indoor
tanning, I’m saying that a little bit of warmth and light for a few minutes,
with sunscreen or in clothes, felt rather nice. Throw in a pina colada and you’re
there in Mazatlan
for a few minutes a day.
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