Are you SAD? Many people suffer from what is called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or "SAD," during winter months. Albeit we do not perform photosynthesis like plants, we do get energy from the sun, with the Vitamin D from our nearest star providing a necessary component for our health and mental outlook. When we do not get adequate Vitamin D during the winter, we can suffer from SAD. The Mayo Clinic gives the symptoms of SAD as follows: feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day; losing interest in activities you once enjoyed; having low energy and feeling sluggish; having problems with sleeping too much; experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain; having difficulty concentrating; feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty; and having thoughts of not wanting to live. It is important to know the symptoms of SAD so we can diagnose ourselves and spot the symptoms in others. When seeking professional help, patients find that physicians provide counseling and Vitamin D supplements. When I lived in the Pacific Northwest, some people leveraged "happy lights" to provide phototherapy during long periods of no sunshine. In other places I have lived in the world, I have also experienced the phenomenon of periods of lack of significant daylight and the associated SAD in people, and I am starting to see this in our community given our current position in the winter months. Compound that with the added stress of COVID-19 and one quickly sees that we have a challenge with mental health this winter. What can you do? Be alert and be a friend. Take care of yourself and be willing to tell someone else when you are feeling down. Be understanding of others and engage your friends and family in positive discussion when you notice drastic mood swings. Know the limits to what you can do. Although being cheerful and encouraging to others, particularly by coaxing them outside when there is a break in the clouds and the sun peaks out, there are doctors who are better equipped to handle more serious cases. Bottom line: Be a pal. When someone else is not at his or her best, do not add misery to misery. Be the friend that you would want when you are not your best.
A Scout is Kind.