Some people find no joy in the end of daylight saving time.
It brings shorter days with less sunlight. For some people it’s the beginning of the “winter blues,” or Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year.
“People with SAD have symptoms that start in the fall and may continue through the winter months. Reduced sunlight can drop serotonin levels in people with SAD,” said Dr. Mrinal Mullick, a psychiatrist at The Medical Center. “The biological internal clock of the Circadian rhythm tells when we’re asleep and when we’re awake. It’s the destruction of the Circadian rhythm. It’s a combination of genetics and brain chemistry.”
SAD is different from general depression, Mullick said.
“It’s mostly associated with oversleeping and a craving for high-carb foods,” he said. “They have a feeling of hopelessness, a loss of energy and a loss of pleasure in activities.”
Greenview Regional Hospital respiratory coordinator Tuyen Trinh said some of the symptoms of SAD include depression, sleep problems, a tendency to overeat, loss of concentration, anxiety, mood problems and lowered sex drive.
“Four to 6 percent of the population suffer from SAD. Adults, teens and children can have it,” she said. “A lot of people have it but don’t know they have it. It happens in females four times more than in males.”
When men have SAD, though, their symptoms are more severe, Mullick said. Other risk factors for SAD include having certain other mental illnesses and how close one lives to the equator.
“The further you live away from the equator, the prevalence increases,” he said. “If you already have depression or bipolar disorder, it can make it worse.”
Although SAD can’t be prevented, there are ways to ease the symptoms, including using light therapy, Trinh said. People should be cautious with it and consult their doctors because UV lights can be damaging to the eyes.
“You can use a light box. It emits enough light for the body to soak up or you can sit near a window,” she said. “Take walks in the afternoon. Do things outdoors.”
People can use light therapy for an hour or two daily, Mullick said.
“It starts working quickly, in two to four days with very little side effects,” he said.
Some people may need antidepressants such as Paxil, Zoloft or Prozac, Mullick said.
“If people have typical SAD, they start taking it before the symptoms start,” he said. “They generally continue for a couple of months after the symptoms resolve.”
Psychotherapy can also help, Trinh said.
“It can help identify negative thoughts and changes,” she said. “Once you understand it, you won’t feel as bad.”
Mullick and Trinh encourage lifestyle changes to help ease symptoms.
“Trim branches at your home so you can have more sunlight. Sit next to the windows at work. Take a walk outside,” Mullick said. “If you are eating lunch in the office, sit in the park and eat it if it’s not very cold. Physical exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety.”
Developing healthy sleeping and eating habits and having a strong support team of family and friends can help, Trinh said.
“Socialize,” she said. “One of the symptoms of SAD is being withdrawn. Take trips where there is more light and come back when winter is over.”
Students should ask for help if they have SAD and lose concentration in class, Trinh said.
“During that time you may not have focus like you would another time,” she said.
Be patient, Trinh said.
“Don’t expect symptoms to go away immediately,” she said. “Don’t be too rough on yourself.”
People should not view SAD as a weakness, Mullick said.
“You should not just ignore it if the symptoms are persistent,” he said. “Get help, especially if you have suicidal tendencies.”
Trinh agreed.
“People often disregard. They just go on through the winter like that,” she said. “There’s less light. We can’t stop that. We can only prepare ourselves. Talk to your doctor on recommendations on how to treat it.”
