WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER
There’s much to look forward to when winter begins.
Outdoor enthusiasts may relish a return to the slopes
to ski or snowboard each winter, while others praise the
crisp fresh air and lack of insects as more conducive to activities
like hiking.
Winter indeed has plenty to off er, but some people fi nd that
less daylight has an adverse eff ect on their mood. Th e National
Institutes of Mental Health notes that shifts in mood and behavior
that align with changes in the seasons could be indicative
of seasonal aff ective disorder, also known as SAD.
What is SAD?
Johns Hopkins Medicine characterizes SAD as a form of
depression in which individuals’ mood and behavior changes
when the seasons change. Th e NIMH notes SAD is sometimes
referred to as the “winter blues.”
Is SAD exclusive to winter?
Th ough SAD can aff ect people at any time of year, the NIMH
reports that most cases of SAD start to aff ect people in late fall
or early winter before symptoms begin to subside during the
spring and summer. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes researchers
believe the shorter days and thus fewer hours of daylight that
occur each winter set off a chemical change in the brain that
leads to a person experiencing symptoms of depression.
What are the symptoms of SAD?
Th e NIMH points out that, since SAD is a type of depression,
symptoms of the condition include those associated with depression.
Such symptoms include:
• A persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood most of the day.
Th is occurs every day for at least two weeks.
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of irritability, frustration or restlessness
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Loss of energy or feelings of fatigue. Some also feel as if they
have slowed down.
• Diffi culty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes
• Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
that have no explanation and do not subside even after
treatment
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts or thoughts about death
It’s important to note that the above are symptoms of depression
that people with SAD may experience. Additional symptoms
of winter-pattern SAD include:
• Hypersomnia, or
oversleeping
• Overeating that leads to
weight gain. Th e NIMH
notes people with SAD
may have a particular
craving for carbohydrates.
• Social withdrawal
How is SAD
treated?
People who suspect they
have SAD are urged to
speak with their physicians. Various treatments, including light
therapy, psychotherapy or antidepressant medications, can help
to treat SAD. Individuals may also be prescribed vitamin D
supplements.
Can I prevent SAD?
Th e NIMH notes that since SAD is tied to seasonal changes,
people can take steps in an eff ort to prevent it. Starting treatments
prior to a change in seasons may help.
Many people experience diffi culty when fall transitions to winter,
and such troubles may be attributable to SAD. More information
Plumbing • Heating • Air Conditioning • Drain Cleaning
Heating & Air Conditioning
❑ Oil & Gas Boilers
❑ Heat Pumps
❑ Mini Splits
❑ Hot Air Furnaces
❑ Maintenance
❑ Repairs
❑ Replacements
❑ Installation
❑ Pool Heater Repairs & Replacements
Plumbing
❑ Drain Cleaning
❑ Sewer Line Repairs
❑ Water Leaks
❑ Rough-Ins
❑ Camera Inspection
❑ Jetting Service
❑ Fixture Repair or Replacement
SalManzoPlumbing.com
“Your Satisfaction
Is Our #1 Priority”
40 Years Experience
Licensed & Insured
SAL MANZO
Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.
Call 833-60-Manzo • 833-606-2696 • 1534 Broad Street • N. Bellmore
about SAD is available at www.nimh.nih.gov.
*Membership Contract Coverage starts on the date of your inspection and ends on October 15th, 2024. The unit must be in operating or working order. On Ductless Mini splits this price includes one air handler per heat pump,
with additional cost each air handler. Tune-up excludes repairs; coil cleaning, fi lters, and additional labor. Wall or window AC units are not eligible for this promotion. Tune-up service is weather permitting. Not valid for cash
back. This offer cannot be combined with other specials or offers. This offer cannot be applied to current or past jobs. (Appointments are to be performed during regular business hours). Offer expires October 24th, 2024.
Heating Inspection
$15995
ONLY
*Includes FREE Service Contract
Plan Thru 4/30/25
Oil not included, additional cost.
Call For Details • With Coupon. Exp. 2/20/25.
$1000 OFF
Installation or Replacement of
Boiler • Heat Pump
or a Gas Conversion w/Boiler
With Coupon. New Jobs Only. Exp. 2/20/25.
Cannot Be Combined w/any other offers
$500 OFF
Ductless Mini Split Installation
($100 per condenser)
With Coupon. New Jobs Only. Exp. 2/20/25.
Cannot Be Combined w/any other offers
$50 OFF
Any Repair
With Coupon. New Jobs Only. Exp. 2/20/25.
Cannot Be Combined w/any other offers
UP
TO
10005766
8 - 207 West Babylon To Advertise call: 631-698-8400 All Island Media - January 16, 2025