By Paul Wehrman, LMHC
MercyOne Waterloo Behavioral Health Care
Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly referred to as SAD, is more complex than just a case of the winter blues. In fact, SAD is a form of depression and unlike the winter blues, affects your daily life. This mood disorder is characterized by depression that occurs every year, at the same time. In most cases SAD occurs late fall/early winter and fades away in the spring or summer.
Symptoms of SAD
Symptoms of SAD include:
- Feelings of hopelessness.
- Low energy.
- Problems with sleeping.
- Fatigue.
- Depression.
- Isolation.
- Deviation from regular routine.
- Change in activity level.
Treating SAD
Some treatment options include antidepressants, light therapy and talk therapy. Other coping tips include:
- Getting enough rest.
- Limiting electronic devices before bed.
- Participating in social activities.
- Getting outside and in the sunshine for at least 10 minutes a day (weather permitting).
- Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.
- Exercising at least three times a week.
- Setting daily accomplishable goals.
Coping with seasonal depression
Your mind may try to tell you that you don’t have the energy to do something but try to do it anyway. Taking care of yourself, having a healthy balance between work and home life, is mandatory. It is not being selfish.
If you feel like you may have seasonal affective disorder, contact your primary care provider or find a specialist.
