FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — The dreary gray skies often seen during winter may seem dreary, but winter can have a negative impact on some people’s mental health, according to the Lutheran Health Network.
Lutheran Health said seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is often seen during the fall and winter months and can make people feel lethargic or moody.
“SAD is a type of depression that can greatly affect a person’s quality of life and ability to function,” said Brandon Baccari, M.D., Lutheran Health Physicians.
Women and people who live further from that equator are more likely to experience SAD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and some experts believe that shorter days and less sunlight are often the cause.
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To combat SAD, Lutheran Health offered certain lifestyle habits that can help reduce the impact of SAD.
“Since the seasons are predictable, there are lifestyle habits that I recommend my patients adopt prior to those changes to help reduce symptoms or that can be implemented once symptoms start to be noticed,” Baccari said.
Baccari suggested the following habits to reduce SAD symptoms:
– To go outside: Being outdoors increases exposure to sunlight, or a light therapy box can be used as a substitute for natural sunlight
– Consume vitamin D
– Exercise
– Socialize
– Seek professional help: If lifestyle changes don’t help and symptoms persist, people should talk to their health care provider.
Source: news.google.com