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Tips for Dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that sets in or starts in the winter months. Unlike other types of depression, it may improve as spring comes on. It is often a periodic recurring disorder—you’ll feel depressed every winter and begin to feel better each spring. SAD depression is caused by lowered levels of serotonin, the mood-affecting brain chemical that is caused by seasonal changes in daylight. Shorter days may also disrupt the body’s biological clock, which upsets the balance of melatonin, the hormone which regulates mood and sleep patterns.
Seasonal affective disorder is far more common in northern climates, where days can be very short in winter. SAD affects more women than men and is more likely to occur in people under age 40 than those older than that.
Although any amount of outdoor light can help raise serotonin levels, getting light in the morning seems to offer the most benefit. If the weather permits, take a walk. In your home or office, try sitting close to a window that faces south. Replacing light bulbs in your home with full spectrum light bulbs can help because they give out light similar to sunlight.
Studies have shown that increasing your exercise routine can counteract SAD. Exercise raises levels of serotonin. Moderate exercise, which means neither too much nor too little exercise, such as walking, riding a stationary bike or swimming is a great way to get started. But any activities that raise your heart rate, including daily chores, can help, especially if you can do them outdoors or near a sunny window. Yoga, jogging and Tai chi can all help lift your mood.
Year-end panic refers to the self-blame and overall feeling of panic brought about by the approach of the year’s end, often due to a poor financial year and pressure from work and family. Psychological experts suggest that we should avoid peer competition. While regretting for the failed plans in the past year, you can still make resolution to do it better in the coming year.
1. According to the passage, what is SAD?2. Who are more likely to suffer from SAD?
3. Please decide which part of the following statement is false, then underline it and explain why.
Increasing exercise routine can fight against SAD, and people should do a large amount of exercise to get started.
4. Seasons bring not only depression but also happiness. Which season can cheer you up? And why? (In about 40 words)
