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.
No comments