How Are Women Affected By Seasonal Affective Disorder?

By Author: Jennifer Lagrotte
Total Articles: 200
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As the seasons turn from summer and fall into winter, the days become shorter and people are unable to benefit from the sun as much as they could in the summer. The winter, while it does have its beauty and charm, can be one of the most depressing seasons of the four. It is a well-known fact that there are more cases of seasonal affective disorder, otherwise referred to as S.A.D., in the northern climates where winter is not only cold, but the darkest time of year as the days grow shorter. For many, this can lead them into a depression because of the lack of sunlight.

It is often asked if women are more susceptible to seasonal affective disorder than men. Women do appear to be more affected by SAD than men are. In fact, some statistics suggest that about three quarters of all Americans who have seasonal affective disorder are women. One interested point to add here is that many of these women suffering from SAD are apparently over the age of thirty. This could lead many to believe that age may have a little to do with which women may be more susceptible than others; however, research is still being done to further understand ...
... this form of depression. Whether age or gender has something to do with it or not, it is firmly believed that the lack of sunlight is one of the key causes of seasonal affective disorder.

Those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder will start to experience symptoms in the seasons of fall and winter as the temperature cools and the days begin to grow shorter. Some symptoms these women will often feel include fatigue, have more of an appetite and may even gain some weight, have some difficulty in focusing on any tasks or work, and may even experience more severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Overall, the feeling of depression, lethargy and even some apathy could be some signs of seasonal affective disorder if they are often associate with the seasons of fall and especially winter.

Women who feel they may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder should obtain some help. By speaking with someone about their depression, they could find a way to deal with it that could lesson the symptoms. By lessoning their symptoms, they will be able to go about their daily lives without too much difficulty. By taking the time to speak with a counselor or therapist, on is taking steps to keeping their self and their lives on the level. Women who prefer to stay out of the offices can easily find help from their home computer. There are many online counselors and online therapist who offer their services online in order to help those who can not make it into the office. The online counseling sessions can be booked and communication can be done through messaging in a secure chat session. If online therapy sessions are not going to be as easy to hold, there is always the option of communicating through e-mail, especially for those who do not wish to speak on a weekly basis.
Dr. Jennifer Lagrotte, DMFT is the owner of CompleteCounselingSolutions.com which offers a variety of href="http://www.completecounselingsolutions.com/sessions.php">online counseling services. If you would like to know more about Jennifer or any of our online therapists, visit our website.