Fighting depression during gloomy weather
TULSA — Another dreary day in Green Country means another chance for Seasonal Affective Disorder to rear its head.
"They tend to sleep more, eat more, have a lack of energy and productivity, couch potato syndrome where they don't want to get up," Dr. Scott Moseman, M.D. with the Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital, said.
Dr. Moseman said Oklahoma falls in the middle when it comes to cases of SAD. He said the state sees fewer than northern states that do not see sunlight basically from November to February and more than southern states that stay sunny.
"With lack of movement and exercise, lack of light that it will sort of down regulate the brain," Dr. Moseman said. "If you're prone to stress and depression, you're more likely to get depressed during those periods of time."
He said symptoms of seasonal depression present themselves differently and the medications use to treat it are different. Medication to treat SAD tend to provide more energy, according to Dr. Moseman.
Some turn to essential oils to treat SAD. Dr. Moseman said he does not have research to prove they are effective but does not believe they will hurt.
"Exercise can be good for depression including Seasonal Affective Disorder," Dr. Moseman said.
He also suggested light therapy for 15 minutes a day.
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