Affecting millions of adults and children alike, one in five Americans has been diagnosed with seasonal depression. Though similar in symptoms, the differences between Seasonal Affective Disorder and traditional depression are subtle, yet vitally important to understanding how to approach its treatment.
A mysterious and often misunderstood condition, SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) seems to result from both mental and physical stress, particularly around the winter time. Hard evidence of exacts causes are still yet unknown, but doctors and scientists believe it may be related to the way light affects us. The shorter hours of daylight in the wintertime on top of cloudy skies and low temperatures can hit us harder than we realize, disrupting our circadian rhythms, energy levels, and even our moods.
Though there is still much to learn about this seasonal condition, proven treatments in the form of light therapies exist. Helping ease the seasonal weather transitions for patients, light mimicking lamps, bulbs, and even headsets can quite literally brighten up one’s day. Regulated light patterns also contribute to leveled sleeping habits, which in turn come with their own benefits including restfulness, appropriate energy levels, and good moods. Even vitamin D supplements can go a long way when winter sunlight isn’t enough. Responsible for bone health, mineral absorption, and perhaps more importantly, immune function, vitamin D receptors can be found in nearly all cells of the body.
Regardless if it’s seasonal depression or just a case of the winter blues, one in four Americans say January is their least happy month, and one in three say it has a serious negative impact on their moods. Let technology help you create your own light this winter season – your body and mind may thank you for it. Take a look at this infographic for more on SAD Tech, how to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms, and how tech is
What do you think of Seasonal Affective Disorder? Do you have any tips or tech gadgets that could help with Seasonal Affective Disorder? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook. You can also comment on our MeWe page by joining the MeWe social network.
Last Updated on February 3, 2021.
