Psychiatrist who coined ‘seasonal depression’ shares one simple trick to help battle it
Some persistent problems might have seemingly simple solutions. However, no one might have thought that seasonal depression, which affects several people as winter time arrives each year, could have an easily accessible solution. The man who coined the term, seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), shared his solution to the mental health concern. The psychiatrist, Norman Rosenthal, shared that he had suffered from the condition for quite some time before he found that it was a common thing and coined the term after research. His simple solution to the issue — light, per The Washington Post.
Seasonal Depression can have many symptoms, like dampened mood, increased fatigue, increased sleepiness and more. "If you are one of those people who really feel it and feel badly, you've got a lot of company and there's a lot you can do about it," Norman remarked. The man works as a psychiatrist at Georgetown University School of Medicine and coined the term back in 1984. It all began when the psychiatrist moved to New York from South Africa for his medical training back in 1976. It was hard for him to adjust to the winters in New York, as his mood would dampen along with the weather. After he moved to Maryland, the man came to know that other people suffered from what he was suffering from.
He started working with people who suffered from seasonal depression and his colleagues to understand it better. "Prior to that, there was no sense that there was this entity and that this entity could have a special kind of treatment that might be useful for it." During his study, by talking to the participants, Norman also got the courage to share that he had also suffered from seasonal depression for quite some time. "They've offered their time, their work, their energy to help us characterize and understand this. There's no shame in it, you know, it's a biological thing." Norman and his colleagues were able to find out that seasonal depression was mainly caused by reduced daylight, which affects our internal circadian rhythm.
Norman found out that the best way to treat seasonal depression caused during winter is to provide light to replace the lack of natural light. A light box of around 10,000 lux light can be used to treat the condition. According to a 2015 study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, bright-light therapy helps around 64 percent of people suffering from seasonal depression. Norman also has around 13 light boxes around his house and uses them as needed to help with his seasonal depression. "When I wake up in the morning, oftentimes the first thing I'll do is I'll draw the curtains and I'll feel that first morning light. And it's a great time for mindfulness. It’s a good time to say, wow, look at this: Here is the light. I'm thankful. I'm present. I'm here."
Norman supplements light therapy with exercise, outdoor walks and meditation during the winter. "These are very vital, important things to keep all aspects of your mind and body alive." He also suggested to people that indoor light therapy should come with "Walking outside and enjoying the seasons. They're beautiful, but you can only enjoy them when you've treated your biology." He added, "I say whatever works. You know, sometimes the light is sufficient. Sometimes it needs a little help with the medicines, but you know, be in tune with yourself. Be in tune with the seasons. Then you'll be able to enjoy all the seasons."
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Experts say if you sleep during this timeframe, you may be at a higher risk of depression