Christmas is right around the corner, which means winter is here! Although Christmas, for many, can be an exciting time with presents, love and holiday cheer, for others, this isn’t quite the same. With winter comes shorter, darker days, cold weather and holiday stress. It is very important, during this time, that we take proper care of ourselves and our mental health. During the winter, many people can experience SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a type of depression that can occur at the same time every year, mainly in places where there is less sunlight during that specific time of year. Usually these feelings will persist for about 4 months out of the year and start in fall, continuing through the winter.
Symptoms of SAD include fatigue, depression, isolation, hopelessness, and more related symptoms. When you experience SAD, you often have low energy and feel moody. Symptoms specific to fall/winter SAD include oversleeping, changes in appetite, weight gain and tiredness. Many people chalk these symptoms up as “winter blues”, but, SAD is something that can be serious and often be helped through different treatment methods.
The number one treatment for SAD is light therapy, or phototherapy. Light therapy mimics the outdoor light and can trick the brain into making a chemical change to lift your mood and eliminate SAD symptoms. Light therapy can be achieved on your own with lighting devices that are made specifically to help reduce feelings of SAD. Other treatments include talking to a therapist or trying medications. It is important to talk to your therapist to decipher which medication might be best for you.
SAD can affect the lives of many people, check up on yourself and your loved ones this winter season. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of SAD, you can learn about the services we offer at OCC here.
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References:
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2021, December 14). Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, March 30). Seasonal affective disorder treatment: Choosing a light box. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/in-depth/seasonal-affective-disorder-treatment/art-20048298#:~:text=A%20light%20therapy%20box%20mimics,to%2010%2C000%20lux%20of%20light