SAD or seasonal affective disorder is a depression that is connected to a certain season of the year. Most people are affected in the winter months when there is less sunlight which can upset the body’s internal clock, effecting sleep, and cause the depressing feelings. Some people claim that having nothing to look forward to, or coming down from the holiday high, causes them to have feelings of depression and sadness.
People report feeling more moody, having a loss of interest in things they usually enjoy, trouble sleeping, changes in weight, feeling hopeless or worthless and increased anxiety
As we are in that time of year that is hardest for most people, I found some lifestyle and home treatments that help to overcome those depressing feelings
- Change your environment. Open the blinds and windows to allow in more sunlight and fresh air. Sit closer to bright spaces in the office or purchase a light box for your work space. Phototherapy mimics natural sunlight that affect your brain chemicals linked to your mood.
- Join a relaxation class such as yoga. Meditation and exercise help relieve stress and anxiety that increase depression symptoms. Exercise often helps people sleep better and feel more rested in the mornings. Feeling healthier will help you feel better about yourself at the same time.
- Spend more time outside. Take more walks or sit outside on your lunch break. Even cloudy days can help revive your mood and give you more energy.
There are more complicated signs of SAD such as:
Social withdrawal
Substance abuse
Eating disorders
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
If you experience any of the more complicated signs it is necessary to speak to a doctor as soon as possible.
About Grace:
Grace was born and brought up in Bessemer, Alabama but has a great love for exploring new places. She has been married for 8 years and has 3 kids, expecting number 4 in December. Having been a student off and on for the last 10 years she is excited to say that she is finally graduating from BYU-Idaho with a degree in Marriage and Family Counseling this year. She loves to learn and share what she learns with as many people as possible. Strengthening and encouraging positive relationships with couples and families is a life goal and passion. Her biggest hobby is her family and finding new and fun ways to accomplish the above life goal in her home.
Let the Good Times Roll!! If you aren’t able to make it to New Orleans or Mobile for Mardi Gras this year, no problem! Head on out to Homewood Central Park next Tuesday, February 13th where the MOMS Club of Birmingham, Over the Mountain Chapter will host it’s 7th Annual MOMS Club Mardi Gras Parade!
With technology becoming more advanced there are more electronics for kids than ever before. Children prefer to stay inside watching shows or playing games than to explore the great outdoors. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggest 2 hours or less of screen time a day but most children are getting 4 to 6 hours a day. Playing outside does not hold the same fun that it did before all the new gadgets came out. Boys and girls are struggling to come up with things to do on their own. They are losing their creativity and ability to entertain themselves.
Join us Saturday, February 10th at The Heavenly Donut Company, where we’ll be set up and making cards for the patients at Children’s of Alabama. We’ll have all the supplies you need and maybe even a sweet treat to say thank you for helping us spread the love this Valentine’s Day!
All Alabamians want to know: will Birmingham Bill see his shadow or not? Join the Zoo for the annual Groundhog Day prediction at the Birmingham Zoo’s Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Stage and find out if we’ll have six more weeks of winter. Don’t miss a chance to play kid-friendly games, make a Groundhog craft and more. *In the chance of rain, the activities and prediction will be held at the Safari Peak.
Many of us moms have children still at home and kids at school. Some of us have toddlers and some of us home school older kids- but whatever the reason is for having kids at home I think we can all agree that it makes us a little sad inside every time a holiday comes up and they don’t get to celebrate it with their peers. It upsets me so much that I try to go the extra mile on holidays because I want my kids to have fun too. Here are some ideas I have found that you can do with your kids at home- that might even be fun for you too!!
If you are cringing at the number of stamps it would take to send 20 something Valentine’s through the mail, try something a little different. Like making cookies! When is making cookies a bad idea? Luckily for you, I have the 
