**** Info via Environmental Canada
Seasonal Affective Disorder
The days get shorter, the weather starts to turn, and so does your mood.
Many Canadians suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, as the daylight begins to wane into late fall, bringing about a period of low mood and other unpleasant symptoms for several months. So what’s going on?
Science behind SAD
According to research, the specific cause of SAD is still unknown, but it is thought to be tied to the disruption of the body’s circadian rhythms, or internal biological clock, caused by the seasonal reduction in daylight in the high-latitude regions of the world. This leads to reduced production of serotonin (a mood-related neurotransmitter) and melatonin (a hormone tied to our sleep-wake cycle).
Common symptoms of SAD include low energy, excess sleeping, social withdrawal, and irritability, as well as signs of depression, including feelings of sadness, a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness and despair.
How to feel better
If you are experiencing symptoms of SAD that are negatively impacting your daily life, it is best to visit a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis along with appropriate treatment options based on the severity of your symptoms, which may include psychotherapy or antidepressant medications.
Other options that can be discussed with your physician could include:
- Light therapy, which usually includes the regular use of a bright light box or LED light panel;
- Getting as much natural light as possible by going outdoors for some exercise;
- Making sure you are getting enough vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency can be caused by insufficient dietary intake along with reduced absorption of sunshine by the skin resulting from the weakened solar radiation of the fall and winter. Some studies suggest vitamin D supplementation may help with symptoms of SAD, and can also help boost the production of serotonin.
Consult your healthcare provider or registered psychologist, psychotherapist, or social worker if you need help. In any case, given the somewhat predictable time for the onset of symptoms each year, it is best to take action ahead of time to prevent SAD from setting in.
For more: Seasonal Affective Disorder.
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