Stacey Lee
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The milder than normal winter our region has experienced might just have resulted in happier people, but for reasons you might not expect.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) usually begins to affect people during the months of January, February, and March but can begin to rear its ugly head as early as November, say mental health officials. Common SAD symptoms include increasing fatigue, weight gain or weight loss, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and loss of libido, among others.
"Essentially, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that is impacted by the weather. Our shifts in mood can really be impacted by the amount of sunlight we have," said Canadian Mental Health (southeast region) executive director Sharon Hayward. "Sometimes it is mild, called the winter blues, where we feel kind of down . . . but it can get a lot worse than that, and in the winter moods can be significantly lower."
Treatment of SAD, if you are among those affected by the winter doldrums, can cost very little and may not require medicinal intervention.
"The easiest thing to do, honestly, is spend some more time outdoors if it isn't too cold . . . this winter has been fantastic for that. You can set up your house so that your furniture is near windows, and you can also exercise. I know that sounds really simple . . . but exercise does relieve stress, builds energy, and increases both mental and physical well-being."
With temperatures inching toward the double digits throughout the past couple of weeks, people have had less opportunity to hibernate at home, which may mean there are fewer SAD sufferers with severe symptoms this season.
"It certainly makes us feel hopeful and more positive in general, which does positively affect our moods," said Hayward. "I think it has helped, to a certain extent, but SAD is still related to the amount of sunlight received. People who do suffer from SAD will still feel its effects, but having the mild weather makes it easier to get outside."
Severe symptoms that have begun to have a major impact on your life do still warrant some worry. Hayward suggests that those who are feeling significant distress should visit their doctor.
"If it is a mild situation where you are feeling slightly blue, you can tell yourself that in a few months you'll be feeling better. But, if it is (bad) . . . if you're sleeping too much, you're gaining weight, or you are getting anxious you do need to see your doctor, for sure."
Those who have a spouse or partner showing the symptoms of SAD should take care to be supportive, acknowledge that the feelings are real, and help them make the lifestyle changes needed.
Because self-diagnosis is ill-advised, any official diagnosis should be made by a medical professional. A doctor's help should be enlisted to ensure that the symptoms being experienced are indeed those of SAD, and not a more worrying depressive disorder.
Canadian Mental Health can provide a wealth of information related to the effects of SAD, and its treatment. Those materials can be requested by phone at 403-504-1811, or online at www.ser.cmha.ab.ca. Those who feel that therapy might help should contact Alberta Health Services Community Mental Health at 403-529-3500 or in person at 346 3rd Street SE.