It’s nearly that time of year again
– cold weather, snow, ice, clouds
and days with less sunlight. For
parents, winter is a tough time. Finding
activities that are always inside, worrying
about snow days and delays, and
making sure kids get plenty of physical
exercise even though the weather is cold
and the days are shorter. On top of that
some parents (and those who aren’t)
have to deal with a type of depression
called Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD). This type of depression usually
happens in the winter months due to the
weather and shorter periods of daylight.
Being that this type of depression is seasonal,
the symptoms usually come back
the same time every year and go away
around the same time. The symptoms
usually start late fall or early winter and
the symptoms start to disappear when
the warmer weather and longer days of
sunlight return.
Symptoms of SAD
If you are feeling under the weather
during the cold winter months but are
not sure if you are suffering from SAD,
here are some common symptoms:
1. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness
and anxiety during the winter months.
2. Feeling fatigue, loss of energy,
trouble concentrating and unmotivated.
3. The feelings of sadness, fatigue,
isolated, etc. start out mild and become
more severe as the winter progresses.
4. Change in appetite and sleeping
habits.
5. Social withdrawal; loss of interest
in social activities and hobbies.
The cause of SAD is still unknown,
but we know environmental factors play
a role. I have a client who lives in upstate
New York near a lake and experiences
“the lake effect” where he gets lots
of snow and very little sun all winter.
This client has had SAD at the same
time every year since his move to upstate
New York. We also know that genetics
play a role in SAD, which can run
in families. SAD is more common in
women and we usually see symptoms
starting in young adulthood.
SAD Treatments
Here are some tips to help prevent
the winter blues:
1. Get as much light as you can
even when you’re indoors. Open the
shades, roll up the curtains, move your
desk near the windows, etc.
2. Spend time outdoors during the
daylight hours. Although the weather
By Diane Lang
BC Health, Beauty & Fitness 50