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Winter brings with it cloudy days, more darkness and temperature drops but it can also increase the prevalence of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern and is most commonly associated with the transition into colder months.
The condition presents itself with symptoms similar to depression - feeling hopeless, lacking energy, changes in sleeping or eating patterns.
Dr Grant Blashki, Lead Clinical Adviser for Beyond Blue says that winter can cause a lot of people to slow down but it's important to realise the difference between a disgruntled wake up and SAD.
“All of us have a morning where we’d give a million dollars to stay in bed for 10 more minutes but when it’s every day, when it’s affecting your life, it’s time to reach out for help,” Dr Blashki told The Feed.
What causes SAD?
Although research on SAD is limited, medical professionals have linked it to the lack of sunlight absorbed by the body during colder months and the disruption of the body clock or the circadian rhythm.
It has been theorised that a lack of sunlight might stop a part of the brain called the hypothalamus working properly.
The hypothalamus is responsible for a whole bunch of important things like appetite, emotions and sex drive.
“A SAD patten is where people oversleep, there’s weight gain, people feel tired and really flat,” Dr Blashki said.
Some of my patients say they feel as if they’re going into a tunnel when winter approaches.
Lack of sunlight can also affect certain hormones released in the body like melatonin, the hormone that tells your body it’s time for sleep and serotonin, a hormone that affects mood, appetite and sleep.
suggests the culprit for SAD could be a brain circuit that connects special light-sensing cells in the retina with brain areas that affect whether you are happy or sad.
When the cells detect a change in the length of days they use this pathway to send messages of sadness and even depression to the brain.
I feel SAD, what do I do about it?
As SAD is a form of depression, Dr Blashki urges anyone who feels debilitated by it to reach out to a trusted GP or other health professional for diagnosis and treatment.
“As a doctor it’s imported to know that it’s SAD over more recognisable depression because the treatment is different,” he said.
Dr Blashki says that one of the most obvious and useful treatments is getting more direct sunlight.
“I’ll say to people that even if you’ve got a lunch break at work try to go outside, even if it’s not sunny,” Dr Blashki said.
For those who have no access to sunlight, there have also been promising results from light box therapy.
This therapy involves sitting in front of a glaringly bright “SAD lamp” for 30 minutes every morning to kickstart your internal body clock.
Beyond Blue also suggests several routine changes that can help alleviate the symptoms of SAD.
These include seeking out as much natural sunlight as possible, increasing social interaction, avoiding alcohol and relaxation exercises such as guided meditation or yoga.
If you or someone you know would like to talk to someone about your mental health, here are some people ready for your call:
• beyondblue support service line 1300 22 46 36
