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Is it Winter Blues, or Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Have you noticed that when the weather changes, your mood also changes? Some call it just the ‘winter blues’. It could be it, but it could also be something more than that.
In this episode of Our Mental Health Matters Podcast, Dr Lade discusses everything you need to know about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Some might see the relationship between the weather and how it affects our mental health preposterous. It’s time to know about it so you could seek help for you or the individuals around you who suffer from SAD.
Discover its symptoms, causes and the treatments for it. You may notice lack of motivation, increased appetite and so on with individuals suffering from SAD. One of the recommended procedures is light therapy, where individuals are exposed to artificial light. Make sure to tune in to hear about the other more treatments you could try, which you need to consult with your clinician.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) statistics:
- It’s more common in women than in men, with up to a ratio of 3 to 1.
- It’s less common in men and children.
- Out of 100 people in the UK, 3 are affected with SAD.
- Lack of motivation and reduced interest in the usual hobbies that you normally do are a few symptoms of SAD.
- Medications for SAD is based on the individual and will be decided between the individual and their clinician.
- One of the treatments for SAD is light therapy where individuals are exposed to artificial light that doesn’t have the UV rays of the sun. This can help you lower your dose of antidepressants.
- Dr Lade advises that you don’t look at the light directly. And she doesn’t recommend it for people who have bipolar disorder.
- Plan outdoor activities, like walking or cycling, that will help the individuals suffering from SAD increase their daily energy levels and produce hormones that will make them feel better.
- With increased appetite, monitor your caloric intake. Ask dieticians what could be the best diet and meal plans for you.
BEST MOMENTS
- “It’s good to have a good talk with a clinician in deciding which medications will be best for you.”
- “SAD is related to exposure to light during winter months which affect the mood, sleep, and appetite.”
- “It’s good to have a daily activity planned with your loved ones.”
ABOUT THE HOST
Dr Omalade Amaka Abuah is a Specialist Registrar in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the National Health Service (NHS). She is a medical doctor with a passion for mental health matters in children and adolescents.
Dr Lade aims to reach out to everyone and encourage learning about mental health through the Our Mental Health Matters Podcast. A better understanding of mental health is the first step in helping your loved one cope with mental illness, improve his mental health, and live his best life.
CONTACT METHOD
- Dr Lade's Twitter
- Dr Lade's LinkedIn
View all episodes
By Lade Abuah
4
11 ratings
Have you noticed that when the weather changes, your mood also changes? Some call it just the ‘winter blues’. It could be it, but it could also be something more than that.
In this episode of Our Mental Health Matters Podcast, Dr Lade discusses everything you need to know about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Some might see the relationship between the weather and how it affects our mental health preposterous. It’s time to know about it so you could seek help for you or the individuals around you who suffer from SAD.
Discover its symptoms, causes and the treatments for it. You may notice lack of motivation, increased appetite and so on with individuals suffering from SAD. One of the recommended procedures is light therapy, where individuals are exposed to artificial light. Make sure to tune in to hear about the other more treatments you could try, which you need to consult with your clinician.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) statistics:
- It’s more common in women than in men, with up to a ratio of 3 to 1.
- It’s less common in men and children.
- Out of 100 people in the UK, 3 are affected with SAD.
- Lack of motivation and reduced interest in the usual hobbies that you normally do are a few symptoms of SAD.
- Medications for SAD is based on the individual and will be decided between the individual and their clinician.
- One of the treatments for SAD is light therapy where individuals are exposed to artificial light that doesn’t have the UV rays of the sun. This can help you lower your dose of antidepressants.
- Dr Lade advises that you don’t look at the light directly. And she doesn’t recommend it for people who have bipolar disorder.
- Plan outdoor activities, like walking or cycling, that will help the individuals suffering from SAD increase their daily energy levels and produce hormones that will make them feel better.
- With increased appetite, monitor your caloric intake. Ask dieticians what could be the best diet and meal plans for you.
BEST MOMENTS
- “It’s good to have a good talk with a clinician in deciding which medications will be best for you.”
- “SAD is related to exposure to light during winter months which affect the mood, sleep, and appetite.”
- “It’s good to have a daily activity planned with your loved ones.”
ABOUT THE HOST
Dr Omalade Amaka Abuah is a Specialist Registrar in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the National Health Service (NHS). She is a medical doctor with a passion for mental health matters in children and adolescents.
Dr Lade aims to reach out to everyone and encourage learning about mental health through the Our Mental Health Matters Podcast. A better understanding of mental health is the first step in helping your loved one cope with mental illness, improve his mental health, and live his best life.
CONTACT METHOD
- Dr Lade's Twitter
- Dr Lade's LinkedIn