Seasonal affective disorder is something that more people than you may realize suffer from. You may even suffer from it and not know it. The people living with this disorder are far more likely to become sad and have what many call the winter blues.
If you go all summer long feeling happy and vibrant then start to recluse, become anxious or depressed when winter rolls around, it may not just be the holidays doing it. Many think that the holidays stress them but it is in fact seasonal affective disorder.
This is something that not only adults suffer from. If you notice this pattern in an older child or teenager you may want to take them in to see a psychologist. This is a treatable condition, but it isn’t if you never take the initiative to do something about it.
Many times you will hear how the suicide rates go up around the holidays, and this is the truth.Again, it is not to be blamed on the holidays themselves, but rather the season in which they fall. If Christmas were during the warm, sunny, summer months it’s a sure fire bet that the suicide rate would not be as high. It is because of seasonal affective disorder.
Not all suicides or attempted suicides are due to this disorder during the winter months, but
a great many of them are. No one ever thinks it will happen to them or their love one. It is important not to delay treatment if you think that you may be suffering from this condition.
While some may simply undergo therapy counseling others will need medication. Most who take medication will only need it a few months out of the year. Seldom does someone go in for this disorder and find that they need year around medication unless there is an underlying condition.
Get the most out of life, and don’t watch yourself or a loved one slip away. Do what you have to in order to life a long, full, productive and happy life. Don’t succumb to the darkness that threatens to take that opportunity away lest you wake up one day and find out that many wonderful things have passed you by. You can be a part of it all, and the people who love you will be glad they were able to share love and joy with you.