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ComForcare home care franchise of Baltimore invites individuals to learn about a very real challenge for many adults that is often misunderstood. While many people find themselves feeling blue during the winter months, especially in northern regions, there are some who experience severe symptoms and may suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression people experience at the same time of year, typically in the late fall and winter months. While the exact cause of SAD is unknown, many experts believe it is the lack of exposure to sunlight that brings on this condition. SAD is more common in people in northern regions where winter days are much shorter than those of other seasons. Shorter days are thought to interrupt the body's natural clock (circadian rhythms) and disrupt wake/sleep cycles (in winter, people tend to wake in the dark and darkness returns many hours before normal bedtimes). Less daylight can also disrupt the body's natural production melatonin, the hormone that affects sleep patterns and mood as well as lead to a drop in seratonin, a brain chemical that affects mood. Women experience SAD more than men and the condition tends to run in families. It is typically seen in people over the age of 20 and the risk of SAD increases as people get older, making SAD more widespread with home care and elderly care clients. As in other forms of depression, there is a range of symptoms. They can vary widely in severity and duration. Common symptoms of SAD are: - Feelings of hopelessness - Anxiety - Fatigue - Oversleeping - Appetite changes, cravings for high carb foods - Weight gain - Loss of interest in favorite activities - Inability to concentrate - Avoidance of social activities Anyone experiencing one or more of the above symptoms should be evaluated by a physician. While SAD is usually temporary, depression of any kind should be taken seriously and diagnosed and treated by a physician. There are lifestyle changes that can help improve or alleviate mild symptoms for seniors and others who experience SAD: - Get outdoors during the day, preferably within two hours of waking - Bring the sunlight indoors by opening windows and blinds - Be social and visit friends - Exercise regularly to help improve mood, relieve stress and anxiety - Eat well-balanced meals with lots of fresh vegetables and lean meats For those who experience severe SAD, physicians may prescribe treatment such as light therapy (time spent under specially designed light boxes which imitate outdoor light), prescription medication and/or psychotherapy. Those who suffer from SAD should partner with their families and home care providers to make necessary changes to help them relieve symptoms. Home care providers can work with clients to help bring light into the home, offer transportation to social activities or doctor visits, and assist elderly care clients in taking walks with them or having them lie in bed or sit closer to a bright window. About Home Care Franchises ComForcare began in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, in 1996 as a company dedicated to establishing a new standard in the quality of non-medical home care. After perfecting the winning formula, ComForcare began franchising and now has locations throughout the United States and in Canada and the U.K. Each independently owned and operated ComForcare office offers elderly care services including personal care, homemaking, transportation, companionship and family respite services to improve the quality of life and level of independence for every individual and family receiving our services. ComForcare Home Care 2510 Telegraph Road, Suite 100 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 248-745-9700 http://www.comforcare.com
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