SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder
Have you ever noticed how different you feel when the sun is shining? How about when it’s been -20 and you haven’t seen the sun in a few days or weeks? How do you feel then? The weather can affect everybody’s mood, but especially here in Canada where we have such a short summer and long winters. When the seasons change, both in temperature and the length of day, people can be affected. If you find that you feel like a different person depending on the season, you may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons. Usually it starts in the fall or early winter when our days start to become shorter and goes away in the spring or summer.
Some of the symptoms of SAD may include:
- Sadness
- Gloomy outlook
- Feeling hopeless, worthless, and irritable
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Low energy
- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
- Carbohydrate cravings and weight gain
- Thoughts of death or suicide
The main treatment for SAD is light therapy. The idea behind light therapy is to replace the sunshine that you miss during the fall and winter months. SAD lamps can be used for as little as 20 minutes a day to show improvement. Some people with SAD do not respond to light therapy alone. Antidepressant medicines and talk therapy can reduce SAD symptoms, either alone or combined with light therapy. Vitamin D supplements can also help. Some people react better to the lights than other. Remember to always speak to you doctor about any symptoms of depression you experience, and to determine the right therapy for you.
Full-spectrum therapy lamps are available for use at select Winnipeg Public Library (Millennium, St. James-Assiniboia, St. Boniface and Harvey Smith Libraries) have lamps available for use in designated areas during open hours. These lamps are provided to offer support to people who struggle with SAD.
Mood Disorder Clinic has them for rent at 20.00/month +40.00 damage deposit, or purchase for $200.00.
**Note: Never look directly at the light! Full spectrum lights are not for everyone, such as those with glaucoma, cataracts, bipolar affective disorder, diabetes, melanoma and lupus.