Winter Blues – Light Therapy
While in some countries, men toil under the blazing heat of the noon sun, in yet other places, people’s faces break into smiles when they see the sun peep out of clouds!
The Swedish, the English and the Americans often curse the unpredictable winter weather and long for some sunshine. When the skyline is filled with ominous clouds, people often feel the lack of sunshine and warmth in their own lives. Many suffer from bouts of depression. Christmas is a boon in mid-winter, ushering in some warmth.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a term used to express the real sadness that engulfs people whose world lacks the cheerful sunlight. Research proves that the absence of light, especially sunlight affects the human body and the spirit drastically, the worst sufferers being adolescents and women.
Symptoms
Most symptoms start peaking in winter. The main characteristic being Anhedonia or loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Mothers do not enjoy bonding with children. Teachers in schools withdraw into their shells, not wanting to reach out to children. Teenagers neglect their looks and health. Couples suffer from low libido, which affects their relationships.
In short, sufferers are demotivated and don’t find inspiration in anything.
Some withdraw completely into their shells and refuse to party or socialize.
Increase in the hours of sleep is a means of escapism.
Some report a craving for chocolates and pastries – carbohydrates.
Winter depression that occurs in children results in poor academic performance, irritability, crying spells and reticence.
Although anti-depressants help, the Swedish have discovered the use of artificial daylight at trendy cafes to be extremely beneficial in dispelling the gloominess engulfing lives. For just $15, this is easily available in cafes. Many hospitals too have light therapy. For just 110 kronas an hour, you can enjoy basking in the warmth of artificial daylight! Some even provide breakfast or brunch along with this.
However, exposure to light therapy has some side effects too, like hyperactivity and blurred vision, so this works better under medical supervision, as the right quantity at an advisable frequency can be administered, according to individual needs.
You can beat the moods by vacationing in sunny locales like the beaches of Florida, or other tropical regions. The Mediterranean proves more beneficial and renders mirth to the vacation, when holidaying with family and friends. Holidaying in India and other Asian countries that experience milder winters and just chilling out with near and dear ones is sufficient to brighten up lives!
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