SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder

Written By Jen Peacock

Blog post written by Lama El-Hanan, Straight Up Health

 

More than Just “Winter Blues”

Fleece pajamas, hot chocolate and first flurries. These are some of my favourite things about Winter. But with Winter come shorter and drearier days. The “Winter Blues” is not an uncommon phenomenon. Many of us lament the loss of sunshine and temperate weather and eagerly long for Spring. We feel a bit more lethargic and gloomy during the Winter months. However, sometimes what we are dealing with is not the “Winter Blues” but rather SAD--the very on the nose acronym for Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a type of depression which occurs during the same seasons each year. Most people experience it during the Fall and Winter months but it can also occur during the Spring and Summer. SAD is marked by a persistent despairing mood that lasts for two weeks or more. It can be debilitating for many people, affecting their ability to enjoy life as well as their performance in different areas such as relationships and work. 

What Causes SAD? 

Although we live much of our lives disconnected from nature, SAD is a stark reminder that our mental health is intimately connected to seasonal rhythms and changes. SAD is thought to be caused by a reduction in sun exposure. This will make a lot of us sense for those of us who care for plants. As the seasons change, the days get shorter and we get less hours of sun. You may notice parallels between the changes in your own mood and how your plants are doing. My plants tend to suffer during the Fall and Winter months, as if commiserating with me. The decrease in sunlight hours has several potential implications for our mental health. It disrupts our body’s circadian rhythm or internal clock, affecting our sleep and mood. Reduced sunlight also decreases the production of serotonin--a neurotransmitter or brain chemical that also impacts mood. Finally, seasonal changes can destabilize our sleeping patterns by altering the balance of melatonin levels in our body. Melatonin is a hormone that our brain produces in response to darkness that aids with sleep. 

Who is at Risk of SAD? 

Because reduced sun exposure is thought to be the main cause of SAD, people who live far away from the equator are at a higher risk of developing it. This is because the further you are from the equator, the more drastic the decrease in sunlight will be as the seasons change. Having depression or bipolar disorder could also mean that you are at higher risk of developing SAD. Other risk factors include a family history of SAD and other types of depression. Studies show that SAD is more common amongst women and young people between the ages of 18 and 30. 

What are the Warning Signs? 

As with other forms of depression, symptoms of SAD can start off subtle and become more pronounced with time. It is important that you seek help early to avoid complications. Symptoms of SAD are the same as those of major depression; however, the former only last for a particular seasonal period--i.e. Fall-Winter or Spring-Summer. SAD is characterized by a “sad, despairing mood that is present most days and lasts most of the day...for more than two weeks” and “impairs the persons’ performance at work, at school or in social relationships” (CAMH). Other symptoms of SAD include: changes in appetite or sleep patterns; withdrawal from family and friends; difficulty concentrating and making decisions; fatigue and irritability; feelings of pessimism and  hopelessness; loss of self-esteem; and suicidal thoughts (CAMH).  

How is SAD Treated? 

There are a number of treatments available for SAD. One is light therapy, which involves supplementing sunlight with bright artificial lights. These lights are specifically formulated to treat SAD and use white fluorescent bulbs to mimic the sun. It is important to speak to a physician before getting a light therapy device as they can be harmful to people with certain medical conditions such as retinal eye disease. Please note that light therapy devices are not comprehensively regulated in Canada, which makes it doubly critical that you check with a physician to ensure you are obtaining a reliable device. 

Treatments for other forms of depression are also effective in treating SAD. These include psychoeducation, psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy or medication. These treatments are often used in combination with each other as well as light therapy devices. While symptoms of SAD may subside with the onset of Spring or Fall, it is critical to talk to your physician before ceasing any treatment, and medications in particular, to manage potential discontinuation effects.  

To learn more about SAD, please refer to the following links: 

Jen Peacock
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