Seasonal affective disorder
Less light can mean darker moods
10/24/2024
Courtney Shaw, Aspirus Nurse Practitioner
Do you notice that
your mood changes with the seasons, becoming gloomier as the days get shorter?
If so, you might be experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
SAD is a type of
depression marked by a recurring seasonal pattern, with symptoms typically
lasting four to five months each year, from late fall to early spring.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, approximately five percent
of adults in the United States experience SAD.
“While anyone can be
affected, research indicates that SAD is more prevalent in the northern states,
largely due to reduced exposure to sunlight. During the winter months, it's
common to leave for work in the dark and return home after sunset, resulting in
a significant lack of natural light,” said Aspirus St. Luke’s Nurse
Practitioner Courtney Shaw.
One of the best ways
to combat this condition is by staying active and making sure you get enough
light. Try to find an outdoor activity you enjoy, like walking, skiing, or
fat-tire biking, and do it regularly during the day. You can also buy a light
box or a dawn-simulating lamp and use it within the first hour of waking up to
get the most benefits.
Other healthy
lifestyle habits, such as eating a balanced diet and maintaining a regular
sleep schedule, can also be beneficial. In some cases, medication and
counseling may be necessary to manage the condition effectively.
Because the timing
of the onset of winter-pattern SAD is so predictable, many benefit from
starting treatment before the fall to help prevent or reduce symptoms. Talking
to your primary care provider is a great place to start when making a plan to
do this.
“People can be
hesitant to talk about mental health concerns like SAD, but I want them to know
that they don’t have to be,” said Courtney. “Everyone faces struggles at some
point, and SAD is just one of them. With proper treatment, we can absolutely
manage this condition so you can enjoy life – no matter what season it
is.”
If you’ve noticed
changes in your mood or behavior whenever the seasons change, talk to your
provider, or find one at www.aspirus.org/find-a-provider.
Courtney
Shaw, APRN, CNP, sees patients at Aspirus St. Luke’s Aspirus St. Luke’s
Hermantown Clinic & Urgent Care in Hermantown, MN.
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