Curious Why Gloomy Weather Gets You Down?

WBZ

If the cold, gloomy weather is making you feel tired and depressed, you aren't alone.

The National Institute for Mental Health estimates that about ten-percent of Americans suffer from seasonal affective disorder. But there are some simple things you can do to help beat those winter blues.

With the days growing shorter and colder and the nights getting longer, many people are starting to feel the winter blues.

Markus in Hudson is Curious whether seasonal affective disorder could be the cause of why one can feel gloomy on an overcast day.

"Absolutely, seasonal affective disorder strikes people in late fall and early winter when there's less daylight," Dr. David Mischoloun of Mass. General Hospital said.

"During the winter months, there's less exposure to natural light and sunlight is important in stimulating several chemical reactions in the brain, many of which are thought to be involved in mood regulation."

People often feel a profound lack of energy or interest in usual activities and the urge to sleep more and eat more than normal. The most affective treatment for the condition is photo light therapy- special light boxes which simulate sunshine.

That brings us to our next question from Marilyn in Yarmouthport.

She asked: "I want to purchase a sad light to help with the winter blues but there does not seem to be a reliable review or rating of different products?"

We checked with the experts who gave us some tips on how to choose one.

The main difference between the units is their size and brightness, the brighter the unit, the less time you should need to treatment. You should consider where you're going to be using the lightbox, either at home or at work, to figure which size and shape will work best for you.

Dr. Mischoloun explains, "Because of the photons that hit the retina, that will results in some various chemical reaction sin the brain that can reverse the depression."

There are other things you can do to help ease symptoms such as exercise, spend time outdoors or try to let as much as sunlight into your home or office as possible. Taking omega 3's and certain supplements and in severe cases, medication such as anti-depressants, may also help.

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