Are you experiencing feelings of sadness, a loss of interest and energy, worthlessness or hopelessness? Perhaps you are sleeping more, have poor concentration or are craving sweet foods and carbohydrates? If so, you may have a case of the ‘winter blues,’ scientifically referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the brain due to changes in the amount of sunlight exposure, and can have an array of symptoms, such as those above. Additionally, sufferers may gain weight, experience a heaviness of the arms and legs, become irritable, and indecisive. In extreme cases, SAD can evoke thoughts of death and even suicide. Studies show it is a disorder which affects one in twenty people between September and April, (particularly Dec, Jan and Feb), and is three times more likely to be found in young women than men. Clearly, SAD is no laughing matter.
Are you suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder? For Students, the winter months can mark a confusing and hectic period. New places and faces, challenges and decisions, can become a little too much to cope with. Alongside this, miserable weather and limited sunlight can leave students feeling literally ‘in the dark’ and in despair. I am personally, very aware, that waiting in the cold and rain for a U-link bus (the second one…the first one didn’t show up and consequently the next did not have enough room) most certainly does not inspire feelings of joy and contentment.
Do not fear! There are some helpful home remedies to shake off those winter blues. For example, try to approach the winter months with a positive attitude, and plan activities which you enjoy. Emedicinehealth.co.uk recommends spending at least 30 minutes outside every day, taking daily walks outside, and increasing indoor lighting with regular lamps and fixtures. In addition, St John's Wort can lend a herbal hand, known for its ability to increase our light-sensitivity. Alternatively, talk to your doctor about ‘Bright Light Therapy;’ a method by which the patient is exposed to very bright, artificial light on a regular basis. And no, a sun bed session is not the same! Although, doesn’t a little tan make us all a bit chirpier?!
SAD is a universally recognised disorder, and it is important for those affected to realise that they are not alone. Another invaluable solution, by means of sharing, support, and advice, is counselling. UWE has a counselling and psychological service which is accessible by phone or the internet, and is located on Frenchay Campus, 3rd floor, block F. Further Reference Further information about SAD can be found at emedicinehealth.com and wikipedia. |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |