Podcast Summary
Understanding and Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression linked to changing seasons, causing lack of energy, motivation, and hibernation desire during winter. mxmtoon shares her experience. Kavitha Cardoza explains causes and simple coping methods.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression related to the change in seasons, and it's more common than you might think. During the winter months, many people feel a lack of energy, motivation, and even a desire to hibernate. Singer-songwriter mxmtoon shared her personal experience of discovering she had SAD as a teenager through social media. Kavitha Cardoza, our reporter, will explain why we might feel this way and share some simple ways to cope. Support for this episode comes from our sponsors. Whole Foods Market invites you to host a celebratory brunch for less with their wallet-friendly finds like whole smoked Atlantic salmon, mini quiches, organic everything bagels, and more. Plus, brighten up your table with a beautiful bouquet of sourced-for-good flowers from their floral department. Apple Card also supports this podcast. With Apple Card, you can earn up to 3% daily cash on every purchase, making your brunch or any other meal more enjoyable. So, if you've ever felt down during the winter months, know that you're not alone. Tune in to this episode of Life Kit to learn more about SAD and how to feel better.
Identifying Seasonal Affective Disorder during Winter Months: 1 in 20 Americans have full-blown SAD, while many more experience milder symptoms, known as the winter blues. Symptoms include feeling less energetic, oversleeping, overeating, and disinterest in activities, particularly affecting women in the northern hemisphere. Recognizing these symptoms and their seasonal pattern is the first step in managing SAD.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a real condition where people experience depression and other symptoms during the winter months. Dr. Norman Rosenthal, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine, first identified this condition decades ago and named it SAD due to its distinct seasonal pattern. An estimated 1 in 20 people in the US have full-blown SAD, while many more experience milder symptoms, known as the winter blues. Symptoms include feeling less energetic, oversleeping, overeating, and disinterest in activities. Women are more likely to be affected, and the condition is more common in the northern hemisphere. If you identify with feeling like a hibernating bear during winter and experiencing these symptoms, you may have SAD. The good news is that recognizing the symptoms and their seasonal pattern is the first step in managing this condition. Stay tuned for more information on how to cope with SAD and brighten up your winter days. Additionally, the podcast emphasizes the importance of supporting public media, especially during election years, to ensure accurate and independent journalism for everyone.
Seasonal Depression: Subtle Signs and Light Therapy: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be subtle, causing gradual depression during fall and winter. Light therapy with specialized lamps generating 10,000 lux can help improve mood and energy levels within two weeks for some individuals.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition where people experience depression and other symptoms during certain seasons, particularly during fall and winter, when days get shorter and darker. Dr. Rosenthal explains that this condition can be subtle and gradual, and people might not realize they have it until it becomes debilitating. If you find yourself feeling more difficult during darker seasons but notice improvements during brighter seasons, you might be experiencing SAD. Another key takeaway is the importance of light in managing this condition. People with SAD may not be as sensitive to light as others and may benefit from using bright light therapy through specialized lamps. These lamps, which generate light around 10,000 lux, can help improve mood and energy levels. Using such a lamp for about 20 to 30 minutes a day could make a significant difference within two weeks for some individuals. While the preventative use of light therapy is still a subject of ongoing research, it remains a common treatment for those diagnosed with SAD due to its potential benefits.
Light therapy and diet adjustments for SAD relief: Light therapy with a lamp and maintaining a consistent eating schedule can improve mood, energy levels, and overall well-being during Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Incorporating certain practices and considerations into your daily routine can help alleviate symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The use of a light therapy box, such as a special sand lamp, can bring about a sharper alertness and improve energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. Additionally, maintaining a consistent eating schedule and ensuring proper nutrition, particularly in alignment with your body's circadian rhythms, can help coordinate internal clocks with the environment and ease the burden of seasonal changes. Remember, small changes like letting more natural light in and keeping a consistent eating schedule can make a significant difference.
Maintaining a consistent eating schedule and getting regular exercise help your body adjust to different seasons: Consistent eating and exercise help body respond better to environment, reduce stress through activities like meditation and pleasurable plans to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms
Maintaining a consistent eating schedule and getting regular exercise are effective ways to help your body adjust to different seasons and improve your overall well-being. Controlling these external cues allows your body to respond better to the environment. Additionally, reducing stress through activities like meditation, brightening up your surroundings, and making pleasurable plans can help alleviate symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is caused by a combination of genetic, lack of light, and stress factors, and managing stress can make a significant difference in managing symptoms. Remember, getting up and engaging in activities, even when you don't feel like it, can help break the cycle of feeling lethargic and improve your mood.
Identifying and managing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder: Recognize symptoms, get adequate light, maintain consistent meal times, exercise regularly, and reduce stress to help manage Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms.
Recognizing and managing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) involves simple yet effective measures. First, recognizing your symptoms such as decreased energy and hopelessness is crucial. Second, getting adequate light through a sad lamp can help improve mood. Third, being thoughtful and consistent with meal times and avoiding eating close to bedtime can also make a difference. Fourth, regular exercise, even when not feeling like it, can boost energy and mood. Lastly, reducing stress and planning enjoyable activities can help improve overall well-being. While these measures won't cure SAD, they can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Remember, it's important to seek professional help if symptoms persist or interfere with personal relationships or work.
Understanding the psychology and economics of choices: Explore stories from Nobel laureates, authors, and athletes on why people make certain choices through Charles Schwab's podcast, Choiceology
Our lives are shaped by the choices we make, and understanding the psychology and economics behind those choices can provide valuable insights. The NPR sponsor, Charles Schwab, encourages listeners to explore this concept through their original podcast, Choiceology, hosted by Katie Milkman, an award-winning behavioral scientist and author. The show features stories from various individuals, including Nobel laureates, authors, and athletes, explaining why people do the things they do. The production team includes Audrey Winn, Claire Marie Schneider, Margaret Serino, Sylvie Douglass, Gilly Moon, and Phil Edforce, and listeners can download the latest episode and subscribe at schwab.com/podcast or wherever they listen. This message is brought to you by NPR sponsor Charles Schwab and supported by IXL Learning, which uses advanced algorithms to personalize learning for each child, offering an exclusive 20% discount when you sign up at ixl.com/npr.
