Shining a light on seasonal affective disorder

Daylight Savings has ended, which means the days are growing shorter and the nights longer. You might be lighting up your fireplace and putting some hot cider or cocoa on the stove. The fall and winter seasons can provide some cozy comforts. However, they can also cause a somewhat overlooked mental illness known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

You may have heard of the “holiday blues” or similar term that applies to a person being kind of down during or after the holidays. That is a different situation that is often due to loneliness or stress, which I will talk about in a later edition. However, SAD is a clinical condition and can disrupt an individual’s daily functioning if left untreated.

According to Mental Health America, SAD is a subset of depression or bipolar disorder that occurs and ends around the same time every year. It falls into this subset because of both the mood-altering and depressive symptoms that can be exhibited. SAD usually occurs when the seasons change, with most symptoms beginning in the fall and continuing throughout the winter months.

It is estimated that about 5 percent of the U.S. population experiences some form of seasonal depression each year. The worldwide prevalence rates vary depending on geographic location, with increased rates generally at places located further away from the equator (where there is less direct sunlight in fall/winter).

Known causes of SAD include lower levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation. Lower serotonin levels have been linked to cases of depression in other instances. Researchers conclude that the reduced amounts of sunlight in the fall and winter seasons can affect an individual’s serotonin levels, giving potential for SAD to onset. In addition, melatonin has been linked to seasonal depression. Melatonin plays a role in the regulation of sleep patterns and mood. You probably have seen it available over the counter as a treatment for sleep regulation. This hormone is primarily made by our bodies when in dark settings. The shorter and darker days of the fall and winter increase melatonin production. Melatonin can also affect an individual's circadian rhythm (biological clock). Therefore, a change in typical melatonin levels can disrupt the body’s usual sleep/wake cycle and result in some SAD Symptoms.

Be aware of these symptoms of SAD:

• Changes in mood

• Fatigue

• Trouble sleeping

• Overeating

• Anxiety

If you or someone you know is starting to display these symptoms as the seasons change, consider a visit to a certified mental health professional in your community. Other mental health challenges such as existing disorders or recent exposure to stress or trauma need to be ruled out to determine an accurate diagnosis of SAD.

If diagnosed, treatment is available. Light therapy may be employed. In this treatment, artificial lights are used to simulate natural light conditions to help balance serotonin levels. Antidepressants and counseling may also be recommended.

As always with your mental health, stay alert to your needs and take care of yourself. The seasons may change, but staying at your best shouldn’t.

For more information on SAD, visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/sad. For local resources, visit www.mccslejeune-newriver.com/counseling.