Both the human brain and body respond to various environments and conditions in which they are placed. When this happens a person even doesn’t know about it, but it is obvious that every human being has something like animal instincts, which has been proved by various studies.
Human beings are believed to respond to external conditions, in a similar way as animals. Animals’ activities, such as hibernation, occur due to external influences as their bodies are in touch with the environment and respond according to what is feasible.
Hibernation is a natural response to dim light and cold. This means that animals don’t have to move around much and hunt for food. Instead their metabolic rates are reduced and they feel sleepy (and they hibernate).
People may have the same feeling, and it has been diagnosed as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). However, people’s moods may change more considerably than animals.
During winter, when light is dim, many people feel depressed. According to specialists, this results from increased secretion of Melatonin from the Pineal gland in the brain. In view of the secretion of this hormone, it is believed that the condition experienced is legitimate disorder.
SAD can’t be diagnosed as a psychological disorder due to the fact that people affected by it have reason to be affected. And although others may not be affected under the same conditions, it is still a legitimate disorder.
SAD has been researched for a long time and various treatments for it have been created. Just like any disorder, the treatments are ones that are not simply hopeful, as they are effective.
In most cases anti-depressant drugs work quite well. But this is not the only treatment available. Phototherapy is also effective. This is a form of therapy that uses bright artificial light. It makes up for the lack of light in the winter period. Patients respond well to it, and some people prefer this form of treatment, instead of taking anti-depressant drugs.
People affected by SAD may also want to light up their homes in winter to avoid the feeling of depression. This is believed to be an effective step, especially during January and February. Another way of treating SAD is walking for about an hour everyday. This should be done in sunlight so that the effect is the best. Once a person gets more sunlight everyday s/he starts to feel better and may not require any other treatment.
When SAD is diagnosed it is almost always possible to be fully treated. But there are many people who are not aware of their condition, and they tolerate it and leave it untreated.
Living with a depression is not a good idea as a person’s life can be seriously affected. There are lots of treatments for SAD, so nobody should hesitate to do something about his or her state.
