Stormy Weather
Is it true that stormy weather affects us making us SADS?
Okay, okay - bad joke, I admit it.
What does SADS mean? Seasonal Affective Disorder. We went to the experts on this one for you.
Per the Mayo Clinic, "Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. These symptoms often resolve during the spring and summer months. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer and resolves during the fall or winter months." (Note 1)
I, personally, prefer Wikipedia's version. At least they give us credit for being "normal" while dealing with the way SADS affects us:
"Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder subset in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year exhibit depressive symptoms at the same time each year, most commonly in winter. Common symptoms include sleeping too much, having little to no energy, and overeating. The condition in the summer can include heightened anxiety. (Note 2)
Just doing something silly like searching via DuckDuckGo for weather related songs brings up numerous, and I mean NUMEROUS songs about the weather.
Going back to Note 1, here are some of the signs and symtpoms of SADS: (Pay attention!) (Note 3)
Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Having low energy and feeling sluggish
Having problems with sleeping too much
Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain
Having difficulty concentrating
Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
Having thoughts of not wanting to live
Read that last one again. And, again if necessary. SADS is not for the feint of heart and it is truly serious.
I dealt with it while trying to survive the teen years. Not. Fun. Ever!
"Sometimes these mood changes coincide with the changing of the seasons, and sometimes they can be a sign of major depressive disorder (MDD) with seasonal pattern, more commonly known as seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression." (Note 4)
Per Pscyhcentral.com, one of the easiest treatments is readily available and free: "Get as much natural light as possible
If you experience winter depression, increasing your daily exposure to as much natural light as possible can be helpful.
You might find getting as much sunlight during the winter months as you can helpful.
If you can, take a walk throughout the day or sit next to a south-facing window at your office, in a classroom, or at home. This will increase your sunlight exposure.
Exercising next to a window or outdoors when possible is another activity that may help." (Note 5)
As someone who believe far more deeply in holistic health and healing, there is also a website to search SADS holistic treatments and rememdies. (Note 6)
About now, you may be asking yourself what in the world started this. Easy. When one lives with roommates, there comes a plethera of different beliefs, habits, ect.
For examply, on a beautiful day with a temp of say 67, one roommate may proclaim to the world what a gorgeous day it is, dress in short sleeves, shorts and just enjoy the day outside.
Another roommate, will more than likely have cranked the heat to near 80, have on long pants, sweater, jacket, etc. True story, actually.
So, one roommate is now feeling a staggering heat and the other is freezing. How is that possible?
We are all different and have different temps we can or will tolerate and some we can't or won't.
Why should life ever be made easier, right?
My first recommendation is to open your minds and realize that it is legal to wear additional layers; maybe not so much to shed too many layers.
Remember that rooms have windows and doors. Better use of those may be able to help all occupants adjust and/or find a happier medium.
Or, at least, to make the attempt.
While this was meant to be a "fun" blog, it is - or can be - a very serious issue.
Still, many people are not aware of SADS or how serious it can be.
Once I became aware of what it is, and learned how to deal with it, life became much more tolerable.
When it rains, I can feel it coming on. So I just suck it up, head out the door, and go splash and jump in puddles.
Much to the chagrin of those around me, I have also been know to sing loudly, offkey and joyfully at the same time.
To that, suck it up buttercup! If it gets me through the deal, it is worth it.
We have it in our power to control our lives and emotions. Frequently, however, we forget that or choose to ignore it.
Don't do that!
Take control and learn to live with the joy of singing in the rain!
