Random Things Tours: Defeating SAD

 

Growing up in a warm sunny climate, with long hot summers and mild spring-like winters, it took me a long time to adapt to the German long dark and cold winters. My first few years, I just used to escape the winter as fast as possible, heading for weeks in a row in those parts of the world blessed with more sun and no freezing winters. I was not practically depressed, my my productivity used to be low during the winter and my social life was limited. I was feeling that life was escaping me completely and surprised myself more than once thinking that I was living mostly to see the green signs of the spring again. Which was depressing anyway.

But things went and are going better, as my body and mind adjusted to the external conditions. It took me a long time and wished I could have shortened this time. Actually, my condition had a name - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and there are studies and books treating it. The creator of this term is Normal E. Rosenthal M.D. who identified the symptoms in the 1980s and was the first to recommend light therapy. His book Defeating SAD - A Guide to Health and Happiness Through All Seasons is a step-by-step guide about how to cope with those challenges and overcome the changes. 

SAD can affect everyone, children, women, men - slightly less, teenagers and retired persons. The conclusions are based on years-long researches using a large variety of subjects. Thus, he is able to recommend different measures and light-therapy timings based on the specific requirements of each patient. In such situations, only experience makes a difference and helps finding the right solution. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another way to deal with SAD which may give more spiritual content to the emotional pressure. For instance, trying to have a normal social life, doing various physical activities or meditation are possible recommendations following CBT therapies.

The book is recommended to both practitioners and patients, as it offers to both insights and important experiences based on 40-year of practice and direct research. An useful guide just in time before the cold season settles again.

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own