Psychology Corner: Seasonal Affective Disorder

By Donna Bahr, PsyD
Donna Bahr, PsyD Summertime provides opportunities for people to get out and do more things, share with others, and be more active. People just feel better when the sun shines. It is well researched that with the winter season, the sun�s rays are not as present as they are during the summer season. This has an impact on our moods and can lead to a form of depression referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For those that are affected when the days are shorter and there is less sunlight, SAD usually ends in the spring. People naturally feel better with the increase in sunshine and longer days.

People with SAD usually feel low or in a depressed mood. They may have an increased appetite, especially for carbohydrates, and consequently gain weight. They may sleep a lot but still feel tired. These symptoms may be similar to other serious medical conditions, so don�t ignore the signs. Talk with your health care provider. Early diagnosis and treatment are important as SAD can be treated effectively.

Many people who suffer from SAD have benefited from light therapy. Light therapy can be used alone or with counseling and/or medication. It involves the person sitting in front of a special light box containing fluorescent light bulbs with a reflector behind them. There are a number of light boxes on the market or you can make your own. Depending on what your doctor suggests, you might sit in front of the lights for 15 minutes or up to two hours a day. Many people use their lights in the morning and it seems that before 10 a.m. is best. It may vary from individual to individual and it is best to talk with your medical doctor. People begin to feel better in just a few days or it may take as long as two weeks. Light therapy is very effective and may only be needed during the winter months.

SAD is only one form of depression. If you feel you may have struggled with SAD or another form of depression in the past, don�t ignore the symptoms. There IS help available and depression is very treatable. If you have questions, contact your health care providers who can direct you to available resources or contact me at 320-243-7773.

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