Podcast Summary
Discovering Seasonal Affective Disorder through personal experiences: During winter, some people may experience depression-like symptoms called Seasonal Affective Disorder. Simple ways to cope include getting enough sunlight, maintaining a consistent routine, and practicing self-care.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression related to the change in seasons. It's a common experience, especially during winter, where people might feel like staying in bed all day, losing interest in socializing, or feeling foggy and low in energy. Maya, a singer-songwriter, shared her personal experience of discovering SAD during her teenage years through social media. Kavitha Cardoza, the reporter, will explain the reasons behind these feelings and share some simple ways to cope with SAD, such as getting enough sunlight, maintaining a consistent routine, and practicing self-care. 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. Apple Card also supports this podcast and offers daily cash rewards on purchases. Visit apple.com/cardcalculator to see how much you can earn.
Identifying Seasonal Affective Disorder: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a condition causing depression and other symptoms during winter, affecting about 1 in 20 Americans, primarily women, with symptoms including less energy, oversleeping, overeating, and disinterest in activities. Recognizing these seasonal patterns 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, which reverses in the spring. Dr. Norman Rosenthal, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine, first identified and named this condition. SAD affects about 1 in 20 people in the US, with women being three times more vulnerable. Symptoms include feeling less energetic, oversleeping, overeating, and a general disinterest in activities. If you identify with feeling like a hibernating bear during winter, you might have SAD. Rosenthal also noted that the condition seems more common in the northern hemisphere. Recognizing the symptoms and their seasonal pattern is the first step in managing SAD. Stay tuned for more tips on dealing with this condition. And don't forget, your support of public media ensures everyone has access to reliable news and podcasts, including those dealing with important health topics like SAD. Consider joining NPR Plus or making a tax-deductible donation at donate.npr.org/lifekit to support independent and accurate journalism.
Seasonal Depression: Subtle Signs and Effective Treatments: Seek professional help for seasonal depression symptoms; Light therapy using a special lamp can improve mood and energy within two weeks for some people
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition where people experience depression and other symptoms during certain seasons, particularly the fall and winter, due to lack of light. Dr. Rosenthal explains that this condition can be subtle and gradual, and people may not realize they have it until it becomes debilitating. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking professional help is crucial. Another takeaway is the importance of light therapy as a treatment for SAD. This involves using a special lamp that generates intense light, which is absorbed through the eyes and can help regulate mood and energy levels. Using a SAD lamp for about 20-30 minutes a day can make a significant difference for some people within two weeks. While the preventative use of light therapy is still a subject of ongoing research, it remains a common treatment option for those with SAD due to its effectiveness for many individuals.
Simple habits for beating seasonal depression: Incorporating a light therapy lamp, getting natural light, mindful eating, consistent eating schedule, and avoiding late-night meals can improve mood and energy levels during seasons of depression.
Incorporating small changes in our daily routine, such as using a light therapy lamp, getting as much natural light as possible, and being mindful of our eating habits, can significantly improve our mood and energy levels during seasons of depression. These practices help align our internal rhythms with the environment, making it easier for our bodies to adjust to the changing seasons. Additionally, maintaining a consistent eating schedule, particularly avoiding eating close to bedtime, can also support overall well-being. By being thoughtful and consistent with these habits, we can ease the burden of seasonal affective disorder and promote better mental and physical health.
Maintaining a Consistent Eating Schedule and Regular Exercise Help Regulate Body's Internal Clocks: Consistent routine, physical activity, and stress reduction techniques can help alleviate symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during winter months
Maintaining a consistent eating schedule and getting regular exercise are essential for helping your body adjust to different seasons and regulate its internal clocks. Controlling these external cues allows your body to respond better to the environment. Exercise acts as a wake-up signal, stimulating the brain and coordinating your system. Additionally, reducing stress through activities like meditation, therapy, or making pleasurable plans can help alleviate symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). A consistent routine, physical activity, and stress reduction techniques can all contribute to feeling much better during the winter months.
Managing Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder: Recognize symptoms, get enough light, be mindful of eating habits, exercise, reduce stress, consider professional help if needed
Recognizing and managing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) involves simple yet effective measures. First, recognize your symptoms such as decreased energy and hopelessness. Second, get enough light using a sad lamp. Third, be thoughtful and consistent with your eating habits, avoiding eating 3 hours before bedtime. Fourth, exercise even when you don't feel like it. Fifth, reduce stress by making plans that bring you joy, no matter how small. While these steps won't cure SAD, they can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. Additionally, if symptoms persist or interfere with personal relationships or work, consider speaking with a healthcare professional about medication options. Remember, it's important to prioritize self-care during the winter months and find joy in the little things.
Exploring the human decision-making process: Choiceology podcast sheds light on why people make certain choices through stories from experts, while IXL Learning offers personalized educational support for children based on their unique needs
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 topic through their original podcast, Choiceology. Hosted by Katie Milkman, an award-winning behavioral scientist and author, the show features stories from Nobel laureates, authors, athletes, and more, shedding light on why people do the things they do. Joining Marielle Seguerra in the production team are Audrey Winn, Claire Marie Schneider, Margaret Serino, and Sylvie Douglass. Engineering support comes from Gilly Moon and Phil Edforce. For those interested, new episodes of Choiceology can be downloaded and subscribed to at schwab.com/podcast or wherever you listen. Additionally, NPR receives support from IXL Learning. IXL Learning, an educational platform, uses advanced algorithms to cater to each child's unique needs, regardless of age or personality. As a special offer for NPR listeners, an exclusive 20% discount is available when signing up for an IXL membership at ixl.com/npr. In summary, the Choiceology podcast offers a fascinating exploration into the human decision-making process, while IXL Learning provides personalized educational support for children. Both initiatives aim to help us better understand and navigate the complexities of life.
