Seasonal Affective Disorder - MIIA - AllOne Health€¦ · Seasonal Affec ve Disorder (SAD). SAD...
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The approach of winter, when the weather turns colder in many parts of the country and there is less natural sunlight, can bring on a type of depression known as Seasonal AffecƟve Disorder (SAD). SAD is most common in parts of the world furthest from the equator, where winters have very short days. Some studies show that as many as 25% of people suffer some degree of mood shiŌs with the seasons, and for 15% the changes can be quite severe. You can tell the difference between SAD and generalized depression because the feelings of Seasonal AffecƟve Disorder usually liŌ in the spring and summer months. For those who are sensiƟve to lack of sunlight in the winterƟme, symptoms may include: FaƟgue Oversleeping WanƟng to “hibernate” unƟl spring Sadness, moodiness, or irritability OvereaƟng (especially craving carbohydrates later on in the day) A loss of interest in usual acƟviƟes Here’s the good news: SAD can be treated quite successfully with “full‐spectrum” lights, which provide arƟficial sunlight. According to the Mayo clinic, light therapy generally starts working aŌer a few days to two weeks of consistent use, and causes few side‐effects. Although research on light therapy is limited, it does appear to be effecƟve in relieving SAD symptoms for many people. Before purchasing a light therapy box, however, it is best to talk to your doctor and familiarize yourself with the products to ensure that you select one that is safe and effecƟve. AddiƟonal treatments for SAD may include talk therapy and medicaƟon. Winter may also be a good Ɵme to try to nurture your creaƟvity, hobbies, and relaƟonships. Work on that photo album you’ve been wanƟng to create, host a weekly or monthly game‐night with friends, meet at the movies, pick a new place for dinner, host a holiday get‐together, and start new tradiƟons that you can look forward to when the seasons change. Worried about how you’ll feel this winter? Feel free to call your EAP for help in determining whether you might benefit from one of these tacƟcs. Seasonal Affective Disorder Employee Assistance Program 1‐800‐451‐1834
Transcript of Seasonal Affective Disorder - MIIA - AllOne Health€¦ · Seasonal Affec ve Disorder (SAD). SAD...
The approach of winter, when the weather turns colder in many parts of the country
and there is less natural sunlight, can bring on a type of depression known as
Seasonal Affec ve Disorder (SAD). SAD is most common in parts of the world
furthest from the equator, where winters have very short days. Some studies show
that as many as 25% of people suffer some degree of mood shi s with the seasons,
and for 15% the changes can be quite severe. You can tell the difference between
SAD and generalized depression because the feelings of Seasonal Affec ve Disorder
usually li in the spring and summer months. For those who are sensi ve to lack of
sunlight in the winter me, symptoms may include:
Fa gue
Oversleeping
Wan ng to “hibernate” un l spring
Sadness, moodiness, or irritability
Overea ng (especially craving carbohydrates later on in the day)
A loss of interest in usual ac vi es
Here’s the good news: SAD can be treated quite successfully with “full‐spectrum”
lights, which provide ar ficial sunlight. According to the Mayo clinic, light therapy
generally starts working a er a few days to two weeks of consistent use, and causes
few side‐effects.
Although research on light therapy is limited, it does appear to be effec ve in
relieving SAD symptoms for many people. Before purchasing a light therapy box,
however, it is best to talk to your doctor and familiarize yourself with the products to
ensure that you select one that is safe and effec ve.
Addi onal treatments for SAD may include talk therapy and medica on.
Winter may also be a good me to try to nurture your crea vity, hobbies, and
rela onships. Work on that photo album you’ve been wan ng to create, host
a weekly or monthly game‐night with friends, meet at the movies, pick a new place
for dinner, host a holiday get‐together, and start new tradi ons that you can look
forward to when the seasons change.
Worried about how you’ll feel this winter? Feel free to call
your EAP for help in determining whether you might benefit
from one of these tac cs.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Employee Assistance Program
1‐800‐451‐1834
