Is Seasonal Affective Disorder Real?

Being depressed only during one part of the year seems like it should not really be considered depression, right? Wrong! Believe it or not, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a very real condition that affects approximately 2 to 3 per cent of Canadians at some point in their lifetime. It is most common in the winter months but it can also be a problem for some during the spring or summer months.

what is sad? Many experts believe that SAD is caused by the lack of sunlight that occurs during the winter months but others say it is caused by the stress of the holidays or even a lack of melatonin, which is a chemical your body produces to help you sleep and regulates your mood. The lack of sunlight, however, does cause your biological clock to be disrupted because during the winter the amount of sunlight is several hours shorter than during the summer months. Those who suffer from the summer version of SAD are more likely to live in warmer climates such as Florida and Southern California. It is thought to be caused by the high temperatures and lack of humidity.

symptoms of sad. Most of the symptoms of SAD are the same as with regular clinical depression with the exception that they only last during certain times of the year. The most common signs you may have SAD include:

> sleeping more than usual
> lack of energy
> weight gain or loss
> feeling sad, hopeless or lost
> eating more than usual (especially carbs)
> vague aches and pains
> gastrointestinal disruptions
> lack of interest in usual activities
> bouts of crying for no obvious reason
> isolating yourself from friends and family
> thoughts of suicide

clues to help cure the blues. According to psychotherapist Lisa Brookman, the blues caused by the shorter days can be relieved with light therapy. There are special lights called SAD lights that help your body by making it think it is in the sunlight. Although it is best to check with your doctor first, the lights should be placed 12 to 18 inches from you and have a dosage of 10,000 lux for 30 minutes. Another tip from Lisa is exercise. There are many studies that have been done to prove that exercise of any kind is good for your mood because it increases the amount of serotonin in your body. That is the chemical that makes you feel good. In fact, many antidepressant drugs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs) are used to increase your body’s ability to make serotonin. Actually, some doctors prescribe SSRIs to patients who are unable to be helped by light therapy.

cognitive behavioural therapy or talk therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy or talk therapy are both important in treating SAD as well. CBT is usually done in conjunction with light therapy and is usually done for one hour once or twice a week. This type of therapy can be done online through mental health websites such as BetterHelp.com. If you cannot find a therapist near you, using online therapy is an excellent choice. They have over 2,000 professional licensed therapists who are trained in all types of therapy. You do not even need to make an appointment or leave your house to do it.