Popularly known as the "winter blues," Seasonal Affective Disorder is an often misdiagnosed disorder that is caused by a lack of natural light. It can become so disabling that it affects the sufferer's quality of life. This complete sourcebook shows how to cope with and overcome the problem using a variety of strategies. Written in an easy, informal style, this book is important for anyone overly affected by a cloudy day or the long winter months.
Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a comprehensive sourcebook for people who suffer from or suspect they might be suffering from SAD, a depression caused by lack of natural light.
There are two types of seasonal affective disorder: Sub-syndromal SAD affects an estimated 30 percent of the population. Seasonal changes have an effect on energy levels but mood generally remains unaffected. Full-blown SAD can be far more debilitating. Depression can become so disabling that quality of life is affected and the person finds it difficult to carry out normal activities.
Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder begin to appear in the fall, reach their peak in the winter and generally subside in the spring. They include:
* depression
* lack of energy
* increased need for sleep
* a craving for sweets
* weight gain
This book helps distinguish the condition from classic depression, chronic fatigue and other illnesses with similar symptoms,explains the alarming physical effects of lack of sunlight, which include a greater risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and even cancer and suggests simple ways to alleviate SAD symptoms.
Written in an informal, easy to read style, this book is important for anyone who ever questioned their depression on a cloudy day, or their misery during the winter months.