Fall is the best time to prepare for winter seasonal affective disorder.
If you think you might have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or a milder version—the winter blues—now is the time to start preparing.
If you leave it until December or January, you will most likely suffer through many dark days unnecessarily.
Why? According to Georgetown University psychiatrist and clinical researcher Dr. Norman Rosenthal, “For many people, fall is when problems begin due to the rapid loss of natural light.”
“By the time you're down, it's already late in the day,” said the author of the last book “Overcoming SAD: A Guide to Health and Happiness Through the Seasons.”
Predictable phenomenon
“The good news is that you're dealing with a predictable phenomenon,” said Rosenthal, a psychiatrist at Georgetown University School of Medicine who first described SAD.
Dr. Rosenthal, who first described SAD at the National Institute of Mental Health 40 years ago, reveals new developments in the detection and treatment of SAD and the importance of recognizing the early onset of symptoms in his latest book.
“Right now many people who are vulnerable to seasonal depression are experiencing more fatigue and find it hard to get out of bed and get things done, not realizing that the loss of daylight is causing them to lose energy. ,” says Dr. Rosenthal. “It's important to catch these symptoms early.”
In his book Defeating SAD, Dr. Rosenthal shares practical action steps that will empower readers, listeners, and viewers to prevent SAD before it can disrupt their personal and professional lives.
Now that fall is here, it's time to prepare for SAD.
What makes SAD different from the winter blues?
SAD is more severe and can be disabling. The winter blues can seriously affect enjoyment of life without impairing function.
Light therapy is often a preferred way to treat SAD along with exercise.
Supplements like vitamin D and herbal remedies using St.
This article was first published in the Nov. 23 online issue of Herbal Collective. Subscribe to the Herb Collective or read back issues online at Plant journey.
