Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that regularly occurs in fall and winter and lifts in the spring and summer; if you experience SAD, you may find yourself feeling sluggish, unmotivated or “blue” as the fall progresses.

Symptoms of SAD may include depressed mood, hopelessness, anxiety, loss of energy, social withdrawal, oversleeping, loss of interest in activities that once brought pleasure, appetite changes, weight gain and difficulty concentrating. Often symptoms start out as mild and progress to become more severe as the season goes on.

It’s unclear exactly why SAD occurs in different individuals. Many mental health conditions are related to age, genetics or your body’s individual chemical makeup, and it is likely that SAD occurs in individuals related to these variables as well. SAD is also likely related to changes in the amount of daylight during different times of the year, and that reduced sunlight may affect individual circadian rhythm (which regulates the sleep-awake cycle), melatonin levels (which affect sleep and mood), or serotonin levels (which affect mood). It also appears that women are more likely to be diagnosed with SAD but that men’s symptoms are likely to be more severe, living further away from the equator increases the prevalence of SAD and, if you have a family member with SAD, you are more likely to have it yourself.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may need to speak with a therapist or psychiatrist for treatment. The good news is that SAD is treatable. Since a likely cause is decreased sunlight, lightbox therapy is a common treatment that has few side effects. Additional treatments may include medication and psychotherapy. Appropriate consultation and treatment with a doctor or therapist will help you monitor your symptoms and avoid the onset or severity of SAD symptoms in the future. If SAD is left untreated, as with other types of depression, the symptoms can worsen and lead to social withdrawal, problems at school or work, substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts or behavior. In addition, those who find alternative medicine helpful may benefit from consultation with an acupuncturist, herbalist or practitioner of mind-body medicine.

There are also ways to make changes on a daily basis to manage symptoms of SAD at home: open blinds and drapes or sit by a sunny window to make your daily environment brighter; spend time outdoors, even if it’s cloudy; and exercise regularly, indoors or out. Make time for socialization and being with supportive friends and family. Take care of yourself: eat healthfully, get enough sleep and don’t manage symptoms of distress with alcohol or non-prescribed drugs. Regularly practice techniques for stress management, including meditation, yoga or other activities that you know are soothing.

If you think you or a family member may be suffering from SAD or depression, ask for help. Often people reach out to their primary medical doctor. Nicole Jellinek (nicole@jfsri.org) can also be reached at 338-8301.

Jewish Family Service also offers assessment and counseling services. Please call 331-1244 to speak to someone and set up an appointment.