Seasonal Affective Disorder
How to recognize and treat the symptoms of SAD
Becky Meyer
Issue date: 10/29/09 Section: News
To treat SAD, Knier suggests trying to get outside for about thirty minutes during midday. Most people wake up when it's still somewhat dark outside, during the day they're inside, and then when they are done with work or classes it's already beginning to get dark again. Knier says that it's important to get outside when you can during the day to get some sunlight.
Knier also suggests exercise, which releases endorphins, a hormone that relieves stress. It is also important to eat balanced meals, regulate sleep patterns, and get around eight hours of sleep per night.
Another method of treating SAD is light therapy. Full spectrum lights that imitate sunlight without the harmful UV rays come in the form of desk lamps and light boxes. These lights should be used for 15 to 20 minutes daily, and have been proven to be about 85 percent effective in patients with SAD.
On campus there is a desk lamp currently in Krueger Hall, and Lakeland does have a portable light box. "It's here; it's available to students," Knier says. Students must contact Knier to use it.
For more severe cases of SAD, individuals can be prescribed an antidepressant, and Knier said that it's also helpful to talk to a counselor in order to learn how to relax and cope with the symptoms in a healthy way. Knier said that taking a Vitamin D supplement can also help in dealing with symptoms.
Whether or not you suffer from SAD, make sure to get outside during the day to avoid the winter blues, and if you notice more severe symptoms, don't hesitate to talk to Cary Knier or anyone from Counseling Services.
Knier also suggests exercise, which releases endorphins, a hormone that relieves stress. It is also important to eat balanced meals, regulate sleep patterns, and get around eight hours of sleep per night.
Another method of treating SAD is light therapy. Full spectrum lights that imitate sunlight without the harmful UV rays come in the form of desk lamps and light boxes. These lights should be used for 15 to 20 minutes daily, and have been proven to be about 85 percent effective in patients with SAD.
On campus there is a desk lamp currently in Krueger Hall, and Lakeland does have a portable light box. "It's here; it's available to students," Knier says. Students must contact Knier to use it.
For more severe cases of SAD, individuals can be prescribed an antidepressant, and Knier said that it's also helpful to talk to a counselor in order to learn how to relax and cope with the symptoms in a healthy way. Knier said that taking a Vitamin D supplement can also help in dealing with symptoms.
Whether or not you suffer from SAD, make sure to get outside during the day to avoid the winter blues, and if you notice more severe symptoms, don't hesitate to talk to Cary Knier or anyone from Counseling Services.
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