Want to know how to beat depression without medication? If you tend to become sad as twilight approaches or on dull, cloudy days, there's a strong chance you suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Luckily, this particular form of depression is relatively easy to remedy.
Seasonal Affective Disorder relates to a depression that is triggered by a lack of sufficient light.
As winter approaches, the condition becomes more prominent because the days are shorter.
So not only do you have low light conditions.
You have longer periods of low light.
Rather than the 12-15 hours of light that is available during the warmer months, the number is anywhere from 8-10 hours.
Would you be surprised to know that a good number of people feel sad, depressed and unmotivated when the weather is bad or just overcast? You might have noticed how people tend to be in a better mood on sunny, bright days.
People with SAD respond with a much deeper sadness than other people.
They become downright depressed.
As winter drags on, so does the depression.
Despite all the advice on how to beat depression, they cannot seem to shake it.
During dull months, people with SAD are much less productive than normal.
They tend to have little energy, want more sleep, and lack concentration.
Their digestion is often disrupted which can lead to stomach pains and general discomfort.
Some people become withdrawn and might even suffer social anxiety disorder.
Suicide rates tend to be higher in countries that experience long periods of dull light, such as Europe and North America.
The depression can affect you in many ways that severely reduce your quality of life.
Interestingly, you don't have to be predisposed to depression in order to experience SAD.
Want to know how to beat depression when it is caused by a lack of light? Turning on your house lights provides minimal relief but it does not compensate for the strength and brightness of sunlight.
A stronger light source is necessary.
Look for the correct artificial lights that are specifically designed to combat SAD.
Typically, you sit in front of the light box for a certain number of hours every day.
It will help considerably if you can set up your living area so that you are close to a large window that lets in light, preferably sunlight.
Never underestimate the value of getting outside.
Taking regular, lengthy walks every day is an excellent way to beat depression.
If walking is not your thing, take a car ride.
You are likely to hear many suggestions on how to beat depression, but light is one of the best because it's natural.
Luckily, this particular form of depression is relatively easy to remedy.
Seasonal Affective Disorder relates to a depression that is triggered by a lack of sufficient light.
As winter approaches, the condition becomes more prominent because the days are shorter.
So not only do you have low light conditions.
You have longer periods of low light.
Rather than the 12-15 hours of light that is available during the warmer months, the number is anywhere from 8-10 hours.
Would you be surprised to know that a good number of people feel sad, depressed and unmotivated when the weather is bad or just overcast? You might have noticed how people tend to be in a better mood on sunny, bright days.
People with SAD respond with a much deeper sadness than other people.
They become downright depressed.
As winter drags on, so does the depression.
Despite all the advice on how to beat depression, they cannot seem to shake it.
During dull months, people with SAD are much less productive than normal.
They tend to have little energy, want more sleep, and lack concentration.
Their digestion is often disrupted which can lead to stomach pains and general discomfort.
Some people become withdrawn and might even suffer social anxiety disorder.
Suicide rates tend to be higher in countries that experience long periods of dull light, such as Europe and North America.
The depression can affect you in many ways that severely reduce your quality of life.
Interestingly, you don't have to be predisposed to depression in order to experience SAD.
Want to know how to beat depression when it is caused by a lack of light? Turning on your house lights provides minimal relief but it does not compensate for the strength and brightness of sunlight.
A stronger light source is necessary.
Look for the correct artificial lights that are specifically designed to combat SAD.
Typically, you sit in front of the light box for a certain number of hours every day.
It will help considerably if you can set up your living area so that you are close to a large window that lets in light, preferably sunlight.
Never underestimate the value of getting outside.
Taking regular, lengthy walks every day is an excellent way to beat depression.
If walking is not your thing, take a car ride.
You are likely to hear many suggestions on how to beat depression, but light is one of the best because it's natural.