Here Comes the Sun

If you live in the Midwest or other geographic areas that experience low natural sunlight this time of year, you may be experiencing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. It usually strikes during autumn and often continues through the winter when natural light is reduced. Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD can present with low to high levels of depressed mood, appetite and sleep changes, general feelings of malaise and sadness, low energy, low motivation, difficulty concentrating and even thoughts of suicide. Not all people in low light areas experience SAD; others experience significant symptoms that interfere with their day-to-day functioning.

Effective ways of managing low-light mood symptoms can range from visits to the tanning salon to seeking counseling and medication treatment. A possible alternative to resorting to prescribed medications may involve Light Therapy. This form of therapy consists of spending blocks of time bathed in light from a special full-spectrum light source, called a light box. Individuals can purchase their own light boxes or some counseling centers offer Light Therapy as part of their services. Light Box