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Blue Ridge Region physicians of Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital and Sentara RMH Medical Center answer your health and wellness questions
What is Seasonal
Affective Disorder? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as the “winter blues,” is a type of seasonal depression that occurs at about the same time each year. Symptoms typically start in the fall and continue through the winter months, due to less sunlight and shorter days. However, SAD also can occur in the spring or early summer months. Symptoms of SAD tend to be mild at first, but can become more severe as the seasons progress. Individuals experiencing SAD may notice that they: • feel sad or depressed most of the day • feel sluggish or irritable • have lost interest in activities they once enjoyed • have low energy and trouble sleeping • have experienced changes in appetite or weight • have difficulty concentrating • have withdrawn from social interactions SAD is extremely common, with more than 3 million cases per year in the United States, and can last several months or years. Occurring more often in
women than in men and typically beginning in young adulthood, SAD is experienced more often by those living in northern areas, due to shorter winter daylight hours. The condition can run in families and is more common in people who have experienced other mental illnesses. If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms of SAD, see a healthcare provider to discuss treatment options and get evaluated for other potential underlying issues. Treatments for SAD vary greatly, and you may need a combination of treatments to get the best results. Your healthcare provider will be able to discuss which treatments are best for you. A few common remedies include:
• Light therapy: Keeping your house well lit and sitting closer to bright windows at home and work can help. • Talk therapy • Medication • Vitamin D: You can increase vitamin D levels in the body via exposure to natural sunlight or through a supplement. • Meditation • Yoga • Practicing music or art therapy Not much research has been conducted to determine whether SAD is preventable. However, if you find a solution that works for your symptoms, starting those therapies or treatments before the beginning of the fall season might help reduce the overall effects of SAD. sentara.com
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