As I talked about yesterday, the fall and winter months bring on an episode of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) for some people. While I have no statistics that state birth parents are more susceptible to experiencing SAD, the holiday months are hard enough on their own. Therefore, I thought it wise to inform birth parents of the signs and symptoms of SAD so that they might be better able to distinguish between their holiday exacerbated grief and loss and an issue like SAD which might need immediate attention. Today, I'm here to offer some resources and advice for treatment.

First and foremost, you should be seeking professional medical advice if you feel that your thoughts and actions (see symptoms) are out of sorts for your normal character. It's hard to tell when you add in holiday related grief and loss but, again, knowing ahead of time things that you could look for will make you better prepared to make that call if it should come to that point.

As one commenter mentioned yesterday, light therapy is one form of treatment for SAD. The therapy basically involves sitting in front of a light (often called a light box) that is ten to twenty times brighter than a normal light for about a half hour each day. Mayo Clinic says good things about it.

. Nearly 70 percent of people experience a reduction of their symptoms from daily light therapy, and about 50 percent experience remission while undergoing light therapy. Light therapy needs to be done daily until springtime, when the sun shines for a longer period during the day. Lights from tanning beds can't be used for light therapy, because tanning beds use potentially damaging ultraviolet light.

Other forms of treatment include medication and psychotherapy. (If you need help finding a decent therapist, read here.) For some, it really just helps to talk it out! It should be noted that a combination of all three of these treatments may be used for any one patient.

The Mayo Clinic also lists a few things that sufferers can do on their own end to help combat the effects of the depression.

* Increase the amount of light in your home. Open blinds, add skylights and trim tree branches that block sunlight.
* Get outside. Walk outdoors on sunny days, even during winter.
* Exercise regularly. Physical exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, which can accentuate SAD. Being more fit can make you feel better about yourself.
* Find ways to relax. Learn how to better manage stress.
* Take a trip. If possible, take winter vacations in sunny, warm locations for winter SAD, or cooler locations for summer SAD.

For those who feel that their SAD is only further complicated by adoption issues, I'd also encourage you to do what you can to help control the adoption grief and loss during the darker winter months. Journal during that time to get the feelings out of your system and down on paper. Those in open adoptions or reunion should consider scheduling a visit (if your relationship is one of minimal stress!) in order to provide a boost. If a visit isn't possible, consider sending a special gift or card (other than just for the holidays). Giving can often brighten one's spirits.

For those who want to connect with others who are experiencing the same things, the internet provides many options. The Psych Forums have a Seasonal Affective Disorder section and, likewise, our own Adoption Forums have a Depression and Therapy section for birth parents to discuss things of this nature. (There's even a thread to the topic right now!)

Furthermore, there are a few books on the market that provide those suffering with SAD an extra in-house resource. Both Winter Blues, Revised Edition: Everything You Need to Know to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder (2005) by Norman E. Rosenthal and Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Self-Help and Treatment (2003) by Fiona Marshall and Peter Cheevers look like decent options.

In closing, two things: 1) be aware of the signs and symptoms and get help if you need it, and 2) you are not alone!

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For more, read:

1. Seasonal Affective Disorder and Birth Parents.

2. Overwhelmed by Adoption Loss?

3. Core Issues in Adoption: Grief.


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