Ask the Experts- February 2017

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

I seem to feel a bit more lethargic, my energy level and mood dwindles during the winter months.  Please share some of your wisdom with me.

Dear Lorraine,

Thank you for writing to us.

It’s not unusual during the dark winter months, to experience what you have just described.  Some folks have what is called “Seasonal Affective Disorder”.

You can try to help yourself first by increasing your exposure to light and spending more time outdoors in the daylight.  It’s also useful to increase the light in your home or office and try to make these areas as light as possible.

If your clinician makes the diagnosis that you have Seasonal Affective Disorder, there are treatment options which he/she should discuss with you.  These treatments may range from light therapy, medication, and/or psychotherapy which all may be helpful.

Here is a list of Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms:

• Lethargy and fatigue
• Avoidance of social activities
• Irritability and anxiety
• Insomnia
• Weight gain and increased food cravings (sugar and starch)
• Loss of appetite and weight loss

If you have any of these symptoms, please see your clinician.

Hope this information is of benefit to you.