Some people are feeling the ‘winter blues’ this time of year. After all, it is colder and gloomier outside. It gets darker earlier compared with other seasons. People impacted negatively by these changes can often experience a form of depression known as ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’ or SAD.
Many years ago, health professionals wanted to draw attention to this condition and designated December as ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness’ month.
Onset of Symptoms
While many people associate SAD with the wintertime, symptoms often begin in the fall when the amount of daylight starts to get shorter. The condition is often temporary, and will subside once spring and summer arrive.
Dr. Wayne Meyer is the medical director for Primary Care with Adventist Medical Group in Rockville. He said he treats patients who have depression all the time and some are dealing more specifically with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Meyer said some people may have the condition but do not realize it.
“Some studies show about 60% of people with Seasonal Affective Disorder never sees a medical person about it. They just sort of live with it,” Meyer said.
He explained some people may have mild symptoms while others have it much worse.
“I often see patients come to me in November, although symptoms may start for some people in September or October,” Meyer said.
Lack of Light
“What’s interesting is that Seasonal Affective Disorder is brought on by a lack of light. The signs and symptoms are really no different than any other depression. So you feel down, you lose interest in things, nothing gives you pleasure. Your appetite changes, you may gain or lose weight. You feel tired,” Meyer added.
However, what distinguishes Seasonal Affective Disorder from other forms of depression is people with SAD will get better when more light happens. The condition also is cyclical. Once doctors diagnose people with SAD, patients will often experience the same symptoms around the same time the following year.
Treatments Available
Meyer said there are a number of different treatments available to help people cope with SAD. Anti-depressants can help, and so can light therapy.
Most people will expose themselves to a bright light. Meyer said for light therapy to be effective, a lamp should have 10,000 Lux which measures the intensity of the light.
“The idea is for people to have an exposure for at least half an hour a day, and preferably, the first thing in the morning,” Meyer said.
Some changes in lifestyle also can help. Meyer explained people with SAD often experience trouble sleeping. They are either sleeping too much or have difficulty falling asleep.
“So we recommend going to bed and getting up at the same times. No screen time, this emits blue light, about two hours before you go to sleep. Daily walks outside can help even if it is cloudy. Having more lights on in a room also can help,” Meyer recommended.
Impact on People
Adults and even children can experience Seasonal Affective Disorder. Meyer said the impact on young people especially teenagers can be significant.
“It’s a time in their life when they are supposed to be doing things. They make connections with their classmates. Yet, suddenly for a big chunk of the school year, they don’t want to do anything. They have no interest in anything,” Meyer said.
It is unclear if a person can ever outgrow Seasonal Affective Disorder. The symptoms subside once it is spring or summer. However, once a person is diagnosed, some people may take it upon themselves to take preventative care to lessen SAD’s symptoms.
Meyer said some people may start working out in September, either running or walking outside. Others may try different methods to help cope with the onset of the condition. Some people severely impacted by SAD may need the help of a psychiatrist for either inpatient or outpatient therapy.
Addressing Mental Health
Megan Cooperman is an Employee Wellness Specialist at Montgomery College. She encourages people to address mental health issues the same as they would with a physical issue.
“The more people talk about mental health challenges, the more likely they will be to seek out help and support and know that it is okay to have mental health challenges. We can all reduce the stigma of mental health by reminding everyone it is okay to not be okay,” Cooperman said.
She added it is important for people to understand they can get better from a mental health challenge and that they are not alone.
