Many people have heard of Season Affective disorder, which is also known as “SAD” but they don’t really know what it is or how it affects their daily life.

Sad is a type of depression which affects people in a seasonal pattern and usually is worse in the winter months. There isn’t enough research to fully understand the causues of SAD or why it affects some people and not others. It is believed that SAD is worse in the winter as it is directly tied to the lack of exposure to the sun. 

The sun helps the body process and integrate vitamin D. With less sunlight in the winter, some people may have less vitamin D. Some studies show that vitamin D is what the body uses to help advanace serotonin. It is therefore believed that the lack of vitamin D in the winter, which coud lead lead to less serotonin, could be factors which contribute to SAD

Sad can make people feel as though there’s something off or like they’re just not feeling like “themselves”.

While symptoms can vary from person to person, here are a few common signs of SAD

-lack of desire for any social activities

-eating more than usual

-craving "junk” foods

-moody

-feeling like nothing brings happiness

-sleeping more than usual

-elevated blood pressure/heart rate

If you believe you have SAD and are feelig seriously affected, please contact your health provider for proper diagnosis. They may recommend a variety of treamtnets which may include but aren’t limited to: light therapy, medication and massage.

Massage can help manage the effects of SAD in many ways.

-As our website mentions, the need for human touch is part of our DNA. Massage helps bring that connection which can aliviate the sypmtons of SAD

-Massage can decrease the anxiety/depression hormones and increase the pleasure hormones which can counter act the effects of SAD

-Massage can help decrease blood pressure and heart rate which are both symptomes of SAD

Encorporating massage into your daily routine is a great idea whether you’re experiencing symptoms of SAD or just want a little self care. There are so many physical and emotional benefits to having a massage that it’s not just a luxury, it’s a way of life.