FORT WAYNE, Indiana (WANE) — The brooding gray skies so common in winter may just look boring, but winter can negatively affect the mental health of some people, according to the Lutheran Health Network. There is a possibility
According to Lutheran Health, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is common in the fall and winter and can leave you feeling lethargic and moody.
“SAD is a form of depression that has a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and ability to function,” said Brandon Baccari, M.D. Osteopathy, Lutheran Health Physicians.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women and those who live far from the equator are more likely to experience SAD, which some experts attribute to short days and lack of sunlight. I’m here.
To combat SAD, Lutheran Health has provided certain lifestyle habits to help limit the effects of SAD.
“Because the seasons are predictable, there are lifestyle habits that we recommend patients adopt in advance of these changes to reduce symptoms, or they can be implemented once they start noticing symptoms,” Baccari said. Stated.
Baccari suggested the following habits to reduce the symptoms of SAD.
– Get outside: Being outside increases your exposure to sunlight. Alternatively, a phototherapy box can be used as a substitute for natural sunlight.
– consume vitamin D
– exercise
– socialize
– Seek professional help: If lifestyle changes do not help and symptoms persist, a healthcare provider should be consulted
