Seasonal Affective Disorder for Dummies (For Dummies)

An accessible approach to stopping SAD thoughts and looking at the brighter side of life

Do you suffer from wintertime woes? You may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a serious but treatable condition. This friendly guide helps you identify symptoms, talk to your doctor, and get an accurate diagnosis. You get the latest on the various drug and non-drug treatment options as well as tips for dismantling SAD thinking and feeling better through lifestyle changes.

* Stop SAD before it starts

*

Monitor your triggers and symptoms

*

Assess alternative therapies

*

Reduce your stress and anxiety

*

Survive a SAD relapse

An accessible approach to stopping SAD thoughts and looking at the brighter side of life

Do you suffer from wintertime woes? You may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a serious but treatable condition. This friendly guide helps you identify symptoms, talk to your doctor, and get an accurate diagnosis. You get the latest on the various drug and non-drug treatment options as well as tips for dismantling SAD thinking and feeling better through lifestyle changes.

* Stop SAD before it starts

*

Monitor your triggers and symptoms

*

Assess alternative therapies

*

Reduce your stress and anxiety

*

Survive a SAD relapse

An accessible approach to stopping SAD thoughts and looking at the brighter side of life

Do you suffer from wintertime woes? You may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a serious but treatable condition. This friendly guide helps you identify symptoms, talk to your doctor, and get an accurate diagnosis. You get the latest on the various drug and non-drug treatment options as well as tips for dismantling SAD thinking and feeling better through lifestyle changes.

• Stop SAD before it starts

• Monitor your triggers and symptoms

• Assess alternative therapies

• Reduce your stress and anxiety

• Survive a SAD relapse

Charles H. Elliott, PhD is a clinical psychologist and a member of the faculty at Fielding Graduate University. He’s a Founding Fellow in the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, an internationally recognized organization that certifies cognitive therapists. He has a part time private practice in Corrales, New Mexico, that specializes in the treatment of anxiety and depression. In addition, he’s written many articles and book chapters in the area of cognitive behavior therapies. He’s made numerous presentations nationally and internationally on new developments in assessment and therapy of emotional disorders. He’s coauthor of Anxiety and Depression Workbook For Dummies (Wiley), Depression For Dummies (Wiley), Overcoming Anxiety For Dummies (Wiley), Why Can’t I Get What I Want? (Davies-Black), Why Can’t I Be the Parent I Want to Be? (New Harbinger Publications), and Hollow Kids (Prima).

Part I: Detecting and Dealing with SAD.

Chapter 1: Opening Up the Curtains on SAD.

Chapter 2: Is It SAD or Something Else?

Chapter 3: Who Gets SAD and Why?

Chapter 4: Getting Help for SAD.

Part II: Examining the Biological Treatments for SAD.

Chapter 5: Shining Light on SAD.

Chapter 6: Lightening Up Moods with Medications.

Chapter 7: A Happy Diet for SAD.

Chapter 8: Alternative Treatments for SAD.

Part III: Shifting SAD Thoughts.

Chapter 9: Exposing SAD Thinking.

Chapter 10: Brightening Up SAD Thinking.

Chapter 11: Soothing the Storms Within.

Chapter 12: Handling SAD Stress.

Part IV: Changing SAD Behaviors.

Chapter 13: Sleep and SAD.

Chapter 14: Fighting SAD by Getting Moving.

Chapter 15: Exercising into a Good Mood.

Chapter 16: Feeling Good About Having Fun.

Part V: Life after SAD.

Chapter 17: Reducing the Risk of Relapse.

Chapter 18: Accepting Reasonable Sadness.

Chapter 19: Living Happily after SAD.

Part VI: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Get More Light.

Chapter 21: Ten Quick Ways Out of a Bad Mood.

Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Help People with SAD.

Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Help a Kid with SAD.

Appendix A: SAD Forms for You.

Appendix B: SAD Resources for You.

Index.