Feeling SAD? Lighten up

The hustle and bustle of the holidays are behind us, the days are short and frigid and, worse yet, many weeks remain until we can once again bask in the splendor and warm sunshine of spring. While many people are simply tired of winter, there is actually a portion of the population that suffers from a kind of depression brought on by the time of year called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. A small number of sufferers experience symptoms of depression during the spring and summer months, but the majority of people with SAD feel its effects during the fall and winter when gray skies and lack of sunlight disrupt the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm. Also commonly referred to as the “winter blues” or “winter depression,” SAD is defined by the recurrence of depression symptoms at the same time every year. In general, people with SAD begin to experience symptoms in the autumn that continue through the winter. In some cases, the symptoms start out mildly and become progressively worse through the winter months.According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of fall and winter Seasonal Affective Disorder are similar to the symptoms of depression. They can include a loss of energy, feelings of hopelessness or anxiety, weight gain and a change in appetite, oversleeping, social withdrawal and a heavy feeling in the limbs. (Interestingly, those with spring and summer SAD may experience the opposite symptoms, such as insomnia and weight loss.) As with other forms of depression, SAD is more prevalent in women than in men, and affects more people in places that experience longer hours of darkness in the winter. An estimated 5 percent of American adults suffer from SAD, with up to 20 percent of the population having some of the symptoms of the disorder, but not enough to qualify for a diagnosis of SAD.It can be difficult for a doctor to diagnose Seasonal Affective Disorder, especially since there is no specific test to determine if a person is suffering from it. A physician may ask a person for their symptoms and medical history, and possibly run blood tests to rule out other illnesses. Luckily, there is a light shining at the end of the tunnel for SAD sufferers — light therapy, that is. In addition to the traditional psychotherapy and antidepressant medications that are used to treat other forms of depression, one of the best methods of treatment for SAD is, not surprisingly, light. SAD sufferers can avail themselves of special light therapy boxes (not any old lamp will do) that mimic daylight and provide intense and focused light to users sitting nearby. Though a prescription is not needed to purchase a light box, you should only use one with your physician’s approval as it is not appropriate for people taking certain types of medication or who have certain medical conditions. Depression symptoms typically begin to improve with three to four weeks of light therapy in those who react favorably to the treatment. Like other types of depression, the symptoms of SAD can also be lessened by making changes to a person’s lifestyle. Exercise, a healthy diet and getting enough sleep have all been shown to help improve depression, including Seasonal Affective Disorder. But, unlike other types of depression, the symptoms of SAD usually abate as spring arrives, bringing the sun with it.Patricia Tremblay, RN, MS, is the executive director of the Salisbury Visiting Nurse Association. To learn more about SVNA, go to www.salisburyvna.org or call 860-435-0816.