Be proactive in tackling seasonal affective disorder



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GREAT RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Seasonal Affective Disorder, it's more than the blues of the winter: it's an official diagnosis.

Dr. Lisa Lowery, Head of Pediatric Specialties at Spectrum Health, says that if you have any, you should know how you feel and how you handle it.

"It's not all in your head – it's a real thing – it's a real diagnosis – it fits the depression," she said.

Grand Rapids ranks sixth in terms of the most cloudy cities at the national level. So, during a day in mid-February with a rare peak of blue and sunny skies, it was not surprising to see the Rosa Parks Circle in busy city and full of people enjoying the sun.

"There are a lot of people here, it's fun, it's my first ice skating and I'm not that bad," Lucas said.

He and a group of friends from Ithaca were in Grand Rapids to celebrate the 16th birthday of a friend.

He has no seasonal affective disorder but agrees that the sun feels good.

"I feel a lot happier, which means we are closer to spring and we like the warmer days," he said.

Lowery said the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder may vary from person to person.

"When people feel depressed, they may feel more anxious, perhaps more irritable, more withdrawn," she said.

Lowery says the condition should not be taken lightly. People with seasonal affective disorder should be sure to follow a healthy diet, get enough sleep and exercise. Doctors may also suggest spending time in front of a lamp, medicine or therapy.

Even if you can not go out, it can be useful to enjoy the sun through a window.

Winter is not the only time people suffer from seasonal affective disorder. He can hit different people in different seasons.

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