Inside Out Corner from All Bodies All Minds: by Kristin Gifford

December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month

Are you feeling a bit more tired these days, having trouble getting out of bed, or moving slower than normal? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) might be impacting you. Quite common for many of us in our area this time of year, SAD is a type of mood disorder whose symptoms resemble depression. 

Feeling better is possible and often  involves a few simple additions to your routine. A "happy lamp" (light box/light therapy lamp) can be incorporated into your morning routine. By exposing yourself to 10,000 lux of light resembling the sun each morning, you can feel more alert and improve mood. 

While you sit under your lamp, you can work, or, if you are like me, use this time to relax and read your favorite books. Another useful tool is a dawn alarm/light--this device will simulate the rising sun and can be set to start brightening your bedroom about thirty minutes before you want to wake up and may help you with waking up more readily. 

Because SAD can be serious and disabling, please talk with your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Simple steps like checking vitamin D levels and taking some additional supplements might be recommended for you when symptoms flare. 

With a little extra support, I know I can make it through the darkest days of the year.