How to combat Seasonal A ective Disorder (SAD)?

 How to combat Seasonal A ective Disorder (SAD)?

SAN’NA FIRDOUS 

firdoussanna@gmail.com

If your depressive mood still sticks for more than two weeks, consult a doctor

The short grey days of winter make 

us feel growing old and frail, but 

it is a normal winter experience. 

When we feel constantly sad for 

no reason, having trouble with 

sleep, and spend days lounging on the 

couch, eating comfort food, and watch-

ing television or surfi ng social media 

sites. Think we are suffering from Sea-

sonal Affective Disorder (SAD). 

SAD is also called seasonal depres-

sion: this is a form of depression that 

generally happens in late fall when 

there is less sunlight and days become 

shorter and cold. SAD can also happen 

in summer, but that is much less 

common. 

It is been observed that women are 

more prone to SAD than men, and it 

is more commonly found in the cloudy 

parts of the areas farther from the equa-

tor. 

The common symptoms of SAD 

include:

 Serious mood swings when seasons 

change 

 Want of energy 

 Overeating 

 Diffi culty with sleep

WAYS TO COMBAT SAD 

Regular Exercise 

As the temperature plummets out-

side, it’s tempting to skip a workout, 

watch online movies, and stay 

snuggled up all day. But, if you 

think you may have SAD, hit-

ting the gym is a good way to 

combat it. Moving your body 

will fi ght with the tendency 

to be glum and can produce 

good brain chemistry. Try 

not to give in, even if you 

don’t feel like going out for 

a run, then look for indoor 

activities that you can enjoy 

or try snowshoeing to make 

the best of the cold weather. 

In Kashmir, we have a snow 

festival each year at Gulmarg, 

most of the people tend to spend 

some time in Gulmarg, you can 

visit on weekends Gulmarg and 

enjoy the best weather. Also, those 

who want to overcome this fear 

of SAD, should take a long walk to the 

downtown area, and explore the art and 

architecture. My mother used to tell me 

that during her childhood they would 

go by foot to Dargah, Hazratbal Shrine 

on every Friday to offer Salah. I think 

that is missing in Kashmir nowadays, 

people throng to shrines but on motor 

vehicles, they should switch the habit 

and walk and talk. 

The government also should create 

events in winter such as food festivals 

where people will go and celebrate the 

togetherness, that will also boost the 

immunity of people who would get a 

pretext to walk and celebrate the love 

and affection of fellow Kashmiris. 

Create Events or Socialize

I understand that the fear of Covid-19 

is still hanging in the air, but follow-

ing the proper protocols, socialization 

will hunker down the urge of staying 

home which often results in less social 

interaction. The private vendors and 

other food units should create social 

events where they will keep available 

tea snacks and invite people to social-

ize and enjoy the best of the winter 

festivals. If that is not possible, invite 

friends, and close relations to your 

home on weekends and interact 

with them, that will lift your 

spirits. 

Eat a balanced diet 

Eat healthy food is always 

recommended which 

includes a suffi cient amount 

of vitamins and minerals. 

If your depressive mood 

still sticks for more than two 

weeks, consult a doctor. But 

avoid going to the doctor, use 

natural therapy to warm your 

body, and socialize. I know 

Kashmir has gone through many 

 upheavals, but I wish all people to 

stay happy and warm not like walk-

ing with serious mood. Sometimes 

they need to smile and laugh.