Seasonal Affective Disorder Washington DC

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is commonly referred to as the winter blahs. Sufferers experience depression, fatigue and increased lethargy during the winter months that they cannot explain. If you are concerned you might be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, consider trying these tests.

1. Check your symptoms. There are several symptoms that together might indicate Seasonal Affective Disorder. These include depression, fatigue, sleepiness during the day followed by the inability to sleep at night, apathy, frustration, weight gain, irritability, joint pain and decreased productivity at work. These symptoms may indicate other issues as well so they aren't enough to diagnose SAD. Instead you want to pay attention to the symptoms and when you experience them.
2. Pay attention to your sleep. By far the most obvious symptom of Seasonal Affective Disorder is a change in sleep patterns. Whether you are just tired all the time, restless in bed or begin to suffer from debilitating insomnia, any change in sleep can be a problem.
3. Take note of your sleep changes. If you experience problem after the fall time change, you might be experiencing a normal adjustment. However, if the discomfort lasts more than two weeks, you might have SAD.
4. Test the light. Now might be a good time to take a look at the time you spend exposed to natural light. Take a survey of the light in your home and workspace. Fluorescent lights encourage sleepiness. Change the bulbs in your home to more natural light at a higher wattage for the winter months. Dim lights increase your desire to sleep and lay around.
5. Ask how long does your depression last. Short periods of depression are common in winter months. The stress and tension of the holidays combined with overeating can encourage the feelings of depression you might experience. Track instances of depressed feelings. If they last less than one week, you shouldn't worry. If you have longer periods or frequent instances, you might need to seek help.
6. Try a remedy. Add oral vitamin D to your diet for one week. Consider a light tanning session under some ultraviolet lights or a sun lamp. Get outside at lunchtime. Even though the weather might be cold in the winter, the sun does still shine. You might need to get your exercise and daily fifteen minutes of sunshine during your lunch hour. Bundle up against the cold but leave your hands and face exposed so they can soak up the sunshine. Your body needs only fifteen minutes of sun exposure to soak up the daily requirement of vitamin D.
7. Consult a doctor. If you still aren't sure if SAD is your trouble, it is time to consult a professional. Talk to your regular doctor about enlisting a psychologist to evaluate your symptoms and treatment options.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is treatable. Once you can diagnose the problem and cause of your suffering, you can begin to take the small steps to remedy your condition.

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