Do You Get Depressed During Winter?
Oct 19, 2007
Seasonal Affective Disorder (also called SAD or Seasonal Depression) is a mood disorder associated with fall and winter seasons. As it gets darker earlier and the Boston temperatures drop, you may notice that you begin to feel depressed and lethargic, or you might start sleeping and eating more. These symptoms can range from a mild form of “winter blues” to a seriously disabling illness.
It is estimated that 1-2% of the general population suffers from SAD. Many people are not diagnosed because they do not report these symptoms to their doctors. It is important to note that a certain degree of “winter blues” is normal. Symptoms become a disorder only if they affect your daily activities.
Scientists believe that the main cause for SAD is the reduced amount of sunlight in the fall and winter. This is especially true for places in the northern latitudes, such as Boston. The reduced sunlight may disrupt your circadian rhythm which is your body’s internal clock.
Other theories emphasize the connection between SAD and increased melatonin, a sleep hormone, whose production is increased in the dark to promote sleep. Finally, there are those who believe that the decreased sunlight reduces your serotonin levels, which can lead to depression.
Signs and symptoms:
Sleep disturbance: usually oversleeping
Lack of interest in life or loss of pleasure in activities and hobbies
Feeling guilty or worthless
Constantly feeling tired and lethargic
Anxiety
Difficulty concentrating
Suicidal thoughts
Symptoms must occur for at least two fall/winter seasons and go away in the spring and summer.
Who’s at risk?
If you live in Boston: you are.
Women more than men.
People who work indoors or aren’t exposed to enough sun light, such as the elderly.
Just because you’re at risk for SAD does not mean you should sit around and wait for the symptoms. Fortunately, there are easy ways to fight this disorder and prevent the symptom from occurring.
What can you do about it?
Prevention
“Soak up the sun.” Get outdoors! If you can’t get outside, try to sit near a window. If you’re on a coffee break, try standing near the window while sipping your coffee.
Let the light into your home. Open the blinds and clean your windows.
Exercise.
This can help with your anxiety and fight SAD.
If you find that despite these preventative measures you still feel depressed and believe you may suffering from SAD, or if you feel suicidal or turn to alcohol for comfort, please contact your Primary Care Physician (PCP). Don’t hesitate!
Treatments for SAD exist and the various treatments are usually successful. Here are some of the most popular treatments available today.
Light Therapy
This treatment mimics the effect that natural light has on your brain. It is an easy treatment option that has few side effects. Make sure to discuss this option with your doctor and do not try this form of therapy on your own. Specific light intensities are used and an Ultraviolet (UV) filter must be utilized for protection. Please note: Tanning beds are not used to treat SAD. The light in tanning beds consist of high UV rays which are dangerous for your body.
Medications
Doctors can treat SAD with anti-depressant drugs. One drug called Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) is used to prevent major depressive episodes in patients with SAD and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2006. There are other drugs available that increase serotonin levels, such as Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Psychotherapy
Even though SAD is believed to have a biochemical causes, it certainly helps to speak with a psychotherapist who can assist you in identifying negative thoughts and behaviors that make you feel even worse. In addition, they can give you advice on healthy coping strategies that can help you manage this disorder.
If you believe that you suffer from SAD please talk to your doctor or therapist. If you’d like more information on this topic, visit: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seasonalaffectivedisorder.html or http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195.
Article funded by Asian Health Initiative of Tufts-NEMC
It is estimated that 1-2% of the general population suffers from SAD. Many people are not diagnosed because they do not report these symptoms to their doctors. It is important to note that a certain degree of “winter blues” is normal. Symptoms become a disorder only if they affect your daily activities.
Scientists believe that the main cause for SAD is the reduced amount of sunlight in the fall and winter. This is especially true for places in the northern latitudes, such as Boston. The reduced sunlight may disrupt your circadian rhythm which is your body’s internal clock.
Other theories emphasize the connection between SAD and increased melatonin, a sleep hormone, whose production is increased in the dark to promote sleep. Finally, there are those who believe that the decreased sunlight reduces your serotonin levels, which can lead to depression.
Signs and symptoms:
Sleep disturbance: usually oversleeping
Lack of interest in life or loss of pleasure in activities and hobbies
Feeling guilty or worthless
Constantly feeling tired and lethargic
Anxiety
Difficulty concentrating
Suicidal thoughts
Symptoms must occur for at least two fall/winter seasons and go away in the spring and summer.
Who’s at risk?
If you live in Boston: you are.
Women more than men.
People who work indoors or aren’t exposed to enough sun light, such as the elderly.
Just because you’re at risk for SAD does not mean you should sit around and wait for the symptoms. Fortunately, there are easy ways to fight this disorder and prevent the symptom from occurring.
What can you do about it?
Prevention
“Soak up the sun.” Get outdoors! If you can’t get outside, try to sit near a window. If you’re on a coffee break, try standing near the window while sipping your coffee.
Let the light into your home. Open the blinds and clean your windows.
Exercise.
This can help with your anxiety and fight SAD.
If you find that despite these preventative measures you still feel depressed and believe you may suffering from SAD, or if you feel suicidal or turn to alcohol for comfort, please contact your Primary Care Physician (PCP). Don’t hesitate!
Treatments for SAD exist and the various treatments are usually successful. Here are some of the most popular treatments available today.
Light Therapy
This treatment mimics the effect that natural light has on your brain. It is an easy treatment option that has few side effects. Make sure to discuss this option with your doctor and do not try this form of therapy on your own. Specific light intensities are used and an Ultraviolet (UV) filter must be utilized for protection. Please note: Tanning beds are not used to treat SAD. The light in tanning beds consist of high UV rays which are dangerous for your body.
Medications
Doctors can treat SAD with anti-depressant drugs. One drug called Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) is used to prevent major depressive episodes in patients with SAD and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2006. There are other drugs available that increase serotonin levels, such as Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Psychotherapy
Even though SAD is believed to have a biochemical causes, it certainly helps to speak with a psychotherapist who can assist you in identifying negative thoughts and behaviors that make you feel even worse. In addition, they can give you advice on healthy coping strategies that can help you manage this disorder.
If you believe that you suffer from SAD please talk to your doctor or therapist. If you’d like more information on this topic, visit: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seasonalaffectivedisorder.html or http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195.
Article funded by Asian Health Initiative of Tufts-NEMC
Article Reference: http://www.sampan.org/show_article.php?display=1336
copyright © 2008 Asian American Civic Association. All rights reserved.
