The United States of Well-Being: The Pacific Northwest and its problem with SAD

Photo courtesy of culture.evo.com

Heavy rain and sticky snow aren't necessarily selling points to highlight when advertising the Pacific Northwest, but they happen to be two factors you'll encounter sooner than later if living in that region. And these two factors do play a part in why the states in the Pacific Northwest make up a good portion of the third lowest well-being category discussed in a recent report.
     But many regions in the United States get snow and rain ... so what makes the Pacific Northwest, made up of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, less well than those others?
     Almost all of the rainfall in the Pacific Northwest occurs during the months of October and  May with valleys west of the Cascades usually getting more than 30 inches of rain a year. The Cascades also happen to be one of the snowiest places on Earth.
     And because of this unique climate, Pacific Northwest dwellers find their chances of suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) to be higher than other U.S. citizens - a direct connection to low overall well-being.
     Now don't get me wrong ... SAD can affect U.S. citizens anywhere in the country - in fact, the states from the recent report that measured the lowest in terms of well-being did not happen to be anywhere near the Pacific Northwest but closer to the South and Midwest (now known as the "Sadness Belt") - but it just happens to be more prevalent in the Pacific Northwest due to the climate.
     Regardless, being aware of SAD and knowing  how to treat this disorder can help you improve your well-being during those fall and winter seasons.

     SAD, a type of depression, usually only occurs during the fall and winter seasons. Although the exact causes of SAD do not happen to be known, age, genetics and drops in serotonin and melatonin levels do play factors in your chances of suffering from the disorder.

    Don't fear, though! You can combat SAD to stay happy and well through all 12 months of the year.

     Many believe a lack of sunlight during the late fall and winter months greatly affects your chances of having SAD. So, light therapy happens to be one treatment recommended to deal with SAD. This very effective treatment doesn't have many side effects and begins to work in the first two to four days after treatment.
     Many websites recommend medication and psychotherapy for those with severe SAD, but for many, the side effects do not happen to be extreme and home and lifestyle remedies will work perfectly.
    


Photo courtesy of
healthpsych.psy.vanderbilt.edu

    Again, light plays a big role in SAD, so make your surroundings full of light. Opening your blinds, being outdoors and taking in as much natural light possible will all help.
     Exercise on a regular basis. When exercising, any stress or anxiety that might be built up inside can be released. By getting rid of those worries, you're positively improving your mood and working to prevent the SAD symptoms.
     And be sure to stay social. Surrounding yourself with friends and family automatically increases your happiness and well-being, and will again, help with those SAD symptoms.
     While SAD might be most prevalent in the Pacific Northwest and a big reason why the region has lower levels of well-being, it's a depression disorder that affects close to three out of four people regardless of their residence. With these few simple changes to your lifestyle, you can curb your SAD symptoms and keep yourself well and happy through those wintry months!