Living -- pages 18 - 22 To your Health ! - The Winter Blues -
Healthy
Living -- pages 18 - 22 To your Health ! - The Winter Blues -
It ' s February . It ' s cold . It ' s cloudy . Those clouds carry snow and rain , sure to increase the negatives that have you feeling down and out . Yes , the winter blues hit us all at this time of year , as we long for any sign of spring . But for some of us , it ' s more than a hurdle - it ' s a mountain .
We ' ve all heard and read about how the lack of sunlight during the cold season can cause negative physical and emotional issues - yes , this is a real thing - Seasonal Affective Disorder , known simply as SAD .
After more than 30 years of study , the National Health Institute ( NHI ) has issued their suggestions to enable those of us severely affected to make it through the hard times . And that starts with a hard truth - each of us have to determine whether their particular case of winter blues is temporary , or a manifestation of something bigger .
To do that takes time , and the NIH has outlined how you can tell if you have SAD - mainly , that the disorder follows a regular pattern , appearing each year as the seasons change and then lessening as spring and summer begin . Does your case of the " winter blues " interfere with daily functioning ? If so , there are ways to try to fight back - primarily , light therapy . Patients sit in front of a bright light box for up to 30 minutes every morning , trying to give themselves the sunlight they need .
Studies show up to 70 percent of SAD sufferers find a lessening of the depressed feeling within two weeks after starting light therapy . The NIH recommends that the light box be used until well into springtime to keep the blues away .
In addition , they recommend cognitive behavioral therapy ( CBT ), which helps in two ways . First , using conversation to identify self-defeating thoughts , then reframing those into something more accurate and realistic . Second , researchers have found changes in activity level help immensely - taking a walk , stretching , and basic physical exercise refocuses the brain and helps you feel better . The National Health Institute recommends both the light box and increased exercise to help you through the next six weeks , and remind us all that their research is ongoing , and that other options to fight SAD are coming .
If you feel you can ' t fight the battle on your own , talk to a healthcare provider . They are well equipped to help you deal with the winter blues !
William R . Forse , OD
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18 -- “ Good News ” -- February -- www . bearcountrygoodnews . com