The holidays are over, and life is back to normal.
In Northeast Ohio, that’s when Seasonal Affective Disorder kicks in.
Mayo Clinic states that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in the seasons that can sap your energy and make you feel moody.
Here are some symptoms that seniors should be looking out for and some things that they can do to combat the effects!
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder:
- Sudden and unexplained tendency to oversleep
- Appetite changes, including a craving for high carb foods, often leading to sudden weight gain
- Lack of energy and a general lack of enthusiasm
What can you do about it?
Phototherapy can help
Light or phototherapy consists of using special lamps or bulbs that can simulate sunlight to help you avoid being depressed on days where the sun is nowhere to be found.
Get outside
This isn’t easy sometimes, but on those winter days when the wind is low and the ice and snow are melted enough to make getting downstairs and walking on the sidewalk possible, get outside. The more sun the better. Remember your sunglasses and sunblock for your face. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean that you are safe from overexposure to UV rays.
Take your vitamins
Vitamin D can really help with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Most of our body’s supply of Vitamin D comes from the sun’s rays. When you can’t get the rays, get the vitamins!
Getting out and being active can help you find your way during the wintertime. It makes sense that when you are battling depression due to a lack of sunlight, the more you can get out, the better! McGregor PACE can help. We offer rides to and from our programs, and we’ve got a full schedule of activities to help you cope with winter blahs. Contact us today to learn more about our programs!