Plus One Foundation joins the health care community to help educate about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month. A month dedicated to help educate about seasonal depression, also known SAD, and the ways to alleviate its symptoms.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is more prevalent in regions with longer winters and areas with shorter sunlight days. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression triggered by seasonal changes. It can cause fatigue, depression, and social withdrawal due to a biochemical changes in the brain. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects approximately 5% of the population, or more than 16.4 million Americans.

The symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include:
• Change in appetite
• Change in sleeping patterns
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions.

Strategies for treating:
• Light therapy: A light box can promote light exposure throughout the winter. This method is one of the most widely used therapies for seasonal affective disorder. Light devices have a similar effect on the body as sunlight. Over time, light boxes help users to adjust their circadian rhythm and the levels of various hormones and neurotransmitters that affect mood and energy. Studies show using light therapy earlier in day creates higher efficacy.
• Engaging in healthy social interactions:
Meeting with friends or family, even for a short time, is also great for mental health. Spending time with loved ones can help lift your mood, even if it’s hard to be sociable when the weather outside is cold, dark, and dismal.
•Therapy:
Counseling is another beneficial treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Therapy might help you figure out what’s triggering your seasonal depression and what’s making your symptoms worse. In addition, your counselor will work with you to develop strategies for dealing with negative thoughts so that they no longer dictate your outlook on life.
• Exercise: Creating regular and healthy physical exercise routines helps alleviate symptoms. Getting outside during the winter months is known to have benefits to brain health. Even if it is overcast outside it is brighter than being inside.