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HUMAN RESOURCES

Season Affective Disorder

The choice to stay in bed and hibernate can be tempting for most of us on dark

winter mornings. But if you have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), getting out
of bed can be an overwhelming challenge.
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that comes and goes with the
changing seasons. Most people start to feel its effects in the fall, with symptoms
lasting until about April-and about 60 percent of people with SAD face bouts of
depression each year if they don’t seek treatment. Symptoms can be vague or act
like other conditions, they don’t last year-round, and they worsen when people
might expect to feel blue, for example, around the holidays.

What causes SAD?
Scientists aren’t exactly sure what causes this disorder, but many believe the dark mornings and short days con-
fuse your circadian rhythm - the internal clock that tells you when it’s time to sleep.
Low winter lighting causes your brain to release more melatonin (the chemical that makes you sleepy), causing you to
lack energy. During the summer, high levels of light increase your brain’s production of serotonin, which helps you
wake up, energizes you and fights depression.

What are the symptoms of SAD?
• Brain fog
• A persistent sad mood
• Feeling exhausted all the time
• A loss of interest in things that once brought you joy
• Increased appetite – especially for carbohydrates
• Less desire to interact with others
• Believing you’re worthless or feeling guilty about things that normally wouldn’t bother you

Suicidal thoughts: If you have suicidal thoughts, get help right away—call 911, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
1-800-273-8255 or go to the nearest emergency room
Get help for SAD symptoms
If you experience some or all of the symptoms of SAD for two weeks or more, reach out to a counselor. SAD is highly
treatable and getting the support you need can help prevent future episodes. It is also important to keep your routine
as regular as possible, eat healthy meals, exercise, and stick to a sleep schedule.

Treatments for SAD
In addition to counseling, there are a number of treatments available for SAD. People often see the most improvement
with a combination of:
• Light therapy: A special light box may be used to mimic mood-boosting natural light.
• Lifestyle changes: Get out as much as possible, interact with others, stick to your exercises
•
Medications: Some people need antidepressants along with light therapy and counseling
Medications typically start working within a few weeks. With light therapy and lifestyle changes, your symptoms may
start to improve in just a few days. Don’t put off getting help -if you might have SAD, reach out to a counselor and
make a plan to get help.

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