Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a treatable condition that affects many people as daylight hours decrease in fall and winter months. According to Clint Webb, a counselor with Emplify Health by Gundersen Behavioral Health, SAD is particularly common in Wisconsin and Minnesota, where winter daylight hours are significantly shorter than in southern states.
Recognizing SAD Symptoms
People with SAD may begin noticing symptoms as early as late September. Common signs include feeling sad, anxious, or irritable; loss of energy and motivation; chronic sleepiness without feeling refreshed upon waking; changes in appetite with cravings for carbohydrates; increased weight; and work difficulties.
Treatment Options
The good news is that SAD responds well to treatment. According to Webb, increased regular exposure to light is considered the first line of treatment. He notes that two of the easiest interventions are getting outdoors daily and exercising during daylight hours, even in cold weather. “You don’t have to be outside that long to feel the benefits. Taking a brisk walk, especially over the lunch hour when the sun is at its highest point, can help,” Webb explains.
Light therapy boxes are another option, requiring about half an hour of daily use, though they can cost hundreds of dollars. Webb recommends people try spending time outdoors during the day first to determine if natural light helps relieve symptoms before investing in expensive equipment.
When to Seek Professional Help
Some individuals require antidepressants, counseling, or a combination of treatments. Webb suggests that anyone noticing a pattern of depression beginning in late fall and improving in late spring or early summer should consult their family provider or a behavioral health professional. “We can rule out other possible causes and get them started on a treatment program,” he states.
Those interested in professional support can contact Emplify Health by Gundersen Behavioral Health at (563) 422-3811.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.communitynewspapergroup.com/oelwein_daily_register/news/local/seasonal-affective-disorder-more-than-just-the-winter-blues/article_1e69c834-5ce6-44c5-b801-cee375ca674c.html