Overwhelmed by the holiday buzz? Do you feel weighed down by mood changes during the colder season at the same time every year? Consider whether you’re experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD and let not the season affect you.
What is SAD?
The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders categorizes Seasonal Affective Disorder not as a unique mood disorder, but rather as a specifier of major depression. SAD is, therefore, an affective illness linked to depression where depressive episodes occur in a specific seasonal pattern. According to Dr. Anca Amighi, MD, Attending Psychiatrist at the St Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, the depressive episodes usually start in the fall and resolve in the spring season when there is an increase amount of light. Apparently, SAD is caused by the decrease in the amount of light during cool-weather seasons.
How do you recognize SAD?
Dr. Amighi, who is also the Chief of the Clark 8 Adult In-Patient Psychiatric and Behavioral Unit at St Luke’s, recommends that you try to recognize depressive symptoms and their patterns of occurrence. When the depressive symptoms occur during a similar season for two years in a row there is a great likelihood that SAD is affecting you. Other symptoms include low energy and low interest in daily activities, as well as decreased libido. Another symptom is increased carbohydrate cravings, which can lead to weight gain.
How do you cope with SAD?
Dr. Amighi suggests staying in an environment that is sunny and bright. Sitting closer to light and exposing oneself to light longer can also help. In addition, regular exercise can alleviate SAD symptoms. However, Dr. Amighi cautions that, “It is not advisable to change the light in the house immediately. Light therapy involves close supervision by a licensed medical professional in order to derive the best therapeutic effects.” Part of the SAD treatment may also involve some medications. An adjunct psychotherapy treatment may be recommended.
How do you seek help?
The next best step is seeking professional help. Given some stigma associated with SAD, it is always a challenge for anyone to reach out at first. Dr. Amighi suggests, “Find someone you are comfortable with. A good starting point is asking a primary physician you trust for a referral.” It can be very helpful to bring along a journal detailing the specific occurrence of symptoms and their presentation. That journal can go a long way in assisting the health care provider in the initial consultation.
Fernand De Los Reyes, RN, MA, QDCP, is a Staff Nurse in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals.