Creative people are worst hit by the seasonal affective disorder

MUCH research is being done on the winter blues. Less sunlight can throw our inner clock out of gear. The result is seasonal depression, resulting in sad mood, lethargy, a desire for more and more sleep, lack of energy, irritability and low productivity. Here are a few effective methods to counter this malady.

The glaring case is that of poetess Emily Dickinson. She would write a lot during summers but would lose interest in writing during winters.

What is most interesting to note is that her writings during summers would show her lively, joyful and optimistic mood, while those written in winters would not only be poorer in quality but also reflect her sad and pessimistic mood!

The American Journal of Psychiatry writes how she might have been suffering from "seasonal affective disorder" commonly called SAD. This disorder makes 10 million Americans its victims every winter, while 25 million Americans mildly suffer from it.

In India, too, particularly in the areas with damp atmosphere, dense mist, cloudy skies and chilly weather, thousands of people suffer from mood swings, irritability, lack of zest to work and an intense desire to remain in bed for longer hours. The creative people are worst hit by SAD during foggy winters.

Intensive research has shown that victims of SAD generate a biological signal that the season is changing. That’s how certain insects like snakes hibernate during winters. Similarly some human beings prefer to remain in bed for longer hours during damp and foggy winters.

But the problem of SAD can be remedied if handled carefully and diligently. Dr Michael Terman, Director of Winter-depression program at Columbia Medical Centre in New York, says that bright light therapy can shift our internal circadian clock favourably. Dr Al Levy, psychiatrist at Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine says that light earlier in the day shifts the body’s clock to an earlier hour, while light later in the day shifts the body’s clock to a later hour. Both agree that our biological clock can be stimulated and awakened during daylight hours favourably!

Regular exercise, deep breathing, yoga, jogging, walks and a balanced diet can help us avoid SAD. Eating and sleeping at usual hours also helps.

Timings of sunrise and sunset differ in different countries. Those entering cold countries may suffer from SAD. In that case also the inner clock gets upset, resulting in fatigue, more craving for sleep, lethargy, and lack of interest in creative activities. In certain cases, the victim is unable to think clearly. Many people have suffered on account of making wrong decisions due to jetlag.

Instead of drinking, smoking and using tea and coffee in excess, fresh fruit juice should be taken at frequent intervals. If proper relaxation is observed, SAD can be avoided. Eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life, says Dr William Louden, a health expert.