8 Tips to Cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder


By Dr. Michael Oberschneider, Ashburn Psychological & Psychiatric Services

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as “The Winter Blues” or “Winter Depression,” is a type of depression that affects over 10 million Americans each year. And research has shown that 10 percent to 20 percent of folks may struggle with a milder form of SAD.

SAD is a depression that occurs based on seasons; symptoms for the Winter variant begin in the Fall and dissipate by Spring. Women are impacted more than men, and the condition typically starts around 20. SAD symptoms include weight gain, oversleeping, increased craving for carbohydrates, irritability, increased sensitivity for rejection, sadness, anxiety, fatigue/low energy, an overall sense of heaviness in the arms and legs, oversleeping, and lethargy.

Here are eight tips to consider if you or a loved one is currently struggling with the winter blues:

CONSIDER USING A LIGHTBOX OR LIGHT LAMP
Decreased exposure to sunlight, changes in one’s biological clock, and changes in Serotonin levels (a neurochemical in the brain associated with mood) are believed to be the main two causes of SAD. Thus, exposure to light is the go-to intervention for treating SAD. Phototherapy or bright light therapy mimics natural sunlight and has been shown to suppress the brain’s secretion of melatonin, and many people respond to the treatment. The device is easy to use, and many reports reduced depression symptoms within days to weeks. For mild symptoms, spending time outdoors or arranging one’s home and workplace during the day to receive more sunlight may be enough to make a difference. For example, one study found that an hour’s walk in winter sunlight was as effective as two and a half hours under bright light.

GET A CHECK-UP
The Winter months are a great time for an annual physical or wellness check-up with your general practitioner, and getting a routine complete blood count (CBC) will serve to identify any possible factors that are contributing to a sad or depressed mood — e.g., thyroid imbalance, low vitamin D or iron, etc.

CONSIDER EXERCISE
Exercise is probably the last thing one wants to do if depressed. However, research has shown that physical activity can help with anxiety and improve mood. An exercise plan should always be reasonable and attainable, especially if one is depressed. So, instead of a gym membership to start, perhaps starting out with a project in the house, running errands, or going for a walk around the block is the way to go. Establishing an exercise routine and sticking to it is most important for getting oneself moving and more active.

BE MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU CONSUME
Most people with depression crave carbohydrates because these foods are comforting, and they convert into higher Serotonin levels. But while cookies, brownies, pasta, etc., may initially serve to comfort, that comfort is fleeting. Ultimately, eating large amounts of carbohydrates could lead to weight gain and an increased feeling of badness. Refined sugar, caffeine, and alcohol are also linked to mood and should be consumed carefully and in moderation.

CONSIDER MEDICATION & THERAPY
Research studies have repeatedly shown the benefits of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy in the treatment of depression. More specifically, studies have found that antidepressant medication can be very effective for the treatment of severe depression, and several other studies have shown great success with the combined treatment of medication and psychotherapy for moderate to severe depression. In addition, numerous other studies have shown that psychotherapy alone, specifically cognitive-behavior therapy, can be very successful in reducing symptoms of depression.

BE SOCIAL
Staying connected with important others is also important when depressed. Most depressed individuals prefer to be left alone since it is often challenging and painful to discuss negative emotions and thoughts openly. However, remaining disconnected from others while depressed could potentially hamper improvement and even worsen symptoms.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Addressing sleep problems is essential for recovery from depression. Avoiding naps, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, limiting or avoiding caffeine and sugar, and getting some form of exercise every day should altogether help to normalize sleep problems associated with depression.

STAY ON TOP OF THE CHANGES YOU’D LIKE TO MAKE
Keeping an accurate log of your mood, energy, eating, and sleeping habits over time will also be helpful for determining whether any changes are, in fact, seasonal.

So, remember that small things like a walk on a sunny winter day, getting enough sleep, and eating healthily can boost you both physically and mentally. Here’s to prioritizing your mental health, and here’s to a great Fall and Winter in Northern Virginia!

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