Statewide, Iowa – The first week after New Year’s Day is a time for reflection, resolutions and renewal, but for some Iowans, it’s just another blah, boring winter week to hole up inside, which could be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.
Christie Harris, wellness education specialist at Gundersen Health System, says some of us will feel depressed, low on energy, having no interest in anything, with a worst-case scenario being thoughts of death or suicide. In many cases, Harris says it’s a relatively easy cure.
That light therapy involves sitting under a special, high-intensity lamp for a period of time daily. Studies find between 35- and 50-million Americans suffer from SAD, and those who were susceptible to it one winter are likely to see it return. Harris says if you think you may have SAD, there are several questions to ask yourself.
Another indicator could be difficulty concentrating, or a change in sleeping patterns, where you’re tired all the time and find it hard to get out of bed in the morning, or just the opposite, having a difficult time falling or staying asleep. If any of the symptoms sound familiar, Harris says to seek professional help.
Some people can overcome SAD by engaging in physical activity which can boost their mood and energy levels, while others may benefit from practices like yoga, meditation, tai chi , and deep breathing exercises. Gundersen Health System has clinics in Calmar, Decorah, Fayette, Lansing, Postville and Waukon, and a hospital in West Union.
