The holidays are over, the cold weather has finally begun to set in and classes have resumed for the second semester. It is not uncommon to feel out of sorts in the dead of winter. Although, there may be people who find they cannot shake the sadness. Some may find themselves feeling depressed, gaining weight, experiencing exhaustion and lacking their usual ability to concentrate. These are just some of the symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also dubbed the “winter blues.” The light-hearted sound of this nickname however, does not convey the seriousness of the disorder and the struggle that those who have it go through. SAD is a disorder that can affect all people during all seasons of the year, but the majority includes young, adult women who most frequently experience symptoms in the late fall and winter seasons. Although the causes are unknown for the most part, experts have guessed that the change in the amount of sunlight during the winter months affects the chemical balance in the bodies of those who suffer. These changes are what bring about noticeable symptoms including depression, loss of interest in typically enjoyable activities, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, poor concentration and frequent thoughts of suicide and death. People who are diagnosed with the disorder often find they sleep more than usual, crave starches and alcohol, are irritable and may have more frequent conflicts with others.
According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services Center for Mental Health, four to six people out of every 100 are diagnosed with SAD. Six percent of those who suffer require eventual hospitalization. Although, even if one person experiences many of these symptoms and believes he/she may have the disorder, it is crucial not to self diagnose.
Instead, if you or anyone you know believes you may have SAD, seek help from a professional when the symptoms affect your daily life, you are unable to carry on normal activities, your own behaviors and interactions with others has drastically changed, or you feel suicidal and have frequent, disturbing thoughts of death. After the diagnosis, there are treatments available to help relieve symptoms. One possible-and free-of-charge-option for treatment is to spend at least thirty minutes outside every day. Even if it is an overcast day, the natural light is said to relieve many symptoms of SAD. Another option is to put a timer on a light in the bedroom to go off in the early morning, simulating a fake dawn. A similar, yet more advanced treatment option is referred to as Bright-Light Therapy. Bright-Light Therapy, or BLT, exposes the patient to bright artificial light and has been shown to relieve symptoms in up to two-thirds of people who suffer from this seasonal depression.
If you aren’t feeling like yourself this winter season, pay close attention to your symptoms and try to get outside as much as possible. A few minutes a day exposed to natural light and consistent exercise, especially outside, may be all it takes to relieve them. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeking professional assistance. Since SAD is a disorder that not many people are aware of, it may be difficult for those diagnosed to feel as though they will ever walk out of the darkness. If you do, in fact, receive a diagnosis, you will be armed with the knowledge of how to treat the symptoms you have and move on with your life in a happy and healthy state.