What is it Exactly?
Do you feel like you have the Winter Blues? Norman Rosenthal and his associates at the National Institute of Mental Health in the Untied States originally coined the phrase SAD as a form of depression which follows a pattern. For Rosenthal, it was about trying to understand his own experience with depression. He thought that the lack of sunlight in the winter might be the cause of his own depressive feelings. In 1993 he published a book titled; “Winter Blues”. It was to become an introduction to the subject of SAD though an awareness of this condition had existed for many years prior to his research. In fact, research continues to examine what the exact cause might be.
Who does it Affect?
Research seems to show that a small percentage of people experience mild symptoms of SAD while some people will have more moderate symptoms. The Canadian Mental Health Association estimates that 1-3% of Canadians have difficulty coping with life due to SAD symptoms. It can impact children, teens and adults. There is some research that states the risk of SAD starts to decline over the age of fifty.
Where is it More Prevalent?
Not surprisingly, there is evidence that SAD is more likely to occur in Northern Countries where days are shorter and darker for a period of time in the winter. Canadians can certainly identify with this and depending on your work patterns, we may feel like we leave from work in the darkness or always wake up in the darkness. SAD can begin in other months but the symptoms can be worse in the winter.
What to Look for ?
Whether SAD is described as a mood disorder, a recurrent depression or the result of a major depressive episode, the symptoms are closely connected. SAD is treatable. Depending on the severity or impact of the symptoms in one’s daily life it is advisable to talk to your family physician and/or see a therapist. Be careful of a self diagnosis, although overall the largest majority of people usually find strategies to get them through this time period.
In Children and Adolescents:
Irritability
Problems in school
Difficulty getting up in the morning
In Adults:
Negative thoughts, e.g. I’m a failure
Feelings of being overwhelmed
Difficulty concentrating
Isolation/withdrawal socially
Cravings for unhealthy carbohydrates-anything with white sugar, white flour or white rice
Feelings of guilt about lack of interest in others and daily activities
Irritability
Lack of energy
What to Do for Children:
Be patient and help distract from irritability by suggesting activities or varying their routine
Make sure they eat well and get lots of sleep
Make a winter blues book where they can draw what they are feeling (add a summer book so they can see the difference)
Physical activity and exposure to sunlight is very important
What to Do for Adults:
Talk to others-do not become isolated
Change your routine—be more spontaneous
Go for a walk at noon with a co-worker
Take a class
Have lunch with a friend
Journal
Eat healthy whole grain carbohydrates
Spend some time in Nature
Watch a funny movie
Expose yourself to light whenever possible
“When you're in a Slump, you're not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.” -Dr. Seuss
Judy MacKechnie MTS, RMFT
FSEAP has clinicians specializing in treating SAD and depression, and who can support you.