Post by Aussie on Nov 24, 2003 16:24:18 GMT -5
Hi all,
As it gets darker, I thought I'd post something about winter depression. This is a common problem for both new comers and for Swedes themselves.
It is a debilitating condition (often known by the acronym SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder). It is induced by the lack of sunlight during the winter months.
This problem is particularly encountered in Scandinavia where there are only a few hours of sunlight per day. It is more common among women, especially women who have not grown up in this environment.
It is characterised by a feeling of sadness or depression which begins in the late autumn and lasts into the winter. It eases off as the lighter days of spring arrive.
The treatment is to get outside every day for at least one hour during the lighter hours.
For more serious cases, there are light treatment centres, as well as special full-spectrum lights you can buy for home use.
We have recently purchased a Philips Bright Light Energy HF3305 for 2,000kr which has helped a lot. It is a beautiful real daylight light. In my household, it is my Viking husband who suffers from SAD, despite 50 years in this country! I have been really impressed by the benefits of the light on both our moods.
The St.John's Wort herb has also been recommended as a helpful remedy and is available from health food stores. You can read information about it, and lists of practitioners who offer light therapy in Sweden here.
As it gets darker, I thought I'd post something about winter depression. This is a common problem for both new comers and for Swedes themselves.
It is a debilitating condition (often known by the acronym SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder). It is induced by the lack of sunlight during the winter months.
This problem is particularly encountered in Scandinavia where there are only a few hours of sunlight per day. It is more common among women, especially women who have not grown up in this environment.
It is characterised by a feeling of sadness or depression which begins in the late autumn and lasts into the winter. It eases off as the lighter days of spring arrive.
The treatment is to get outside every day for at least one hour during the lighter hours.
For more serious cases, there are light treatment centres, as well as special full-spectrum lights you can buy for home use.
We have recently purchased a Philips Bright Light Energy HF3305 for 2,000kr which has helped a lot. It is a beautiful real daylight light. In my household, it is my Viking husband who suffers from SAD, despite 50 years in this country! I have been really impressed by the benefits of the light on both our moods.
The St.John's Wort herb has also been recommended as a helpful remedy and is available from health food stores. You can read information about it, and lists of practitioners who offer light therapy in Sweden here.
They sit straight in front of it staring into it for about 15 minutes at a time. They also fall asleep in front of it. It is hilarious. We've now call it the "cats lamp". Cats are too funny sometimes. 
