In my work, I value the insights it provides into what’s going on in my community. My community may not be a perfectly representative sample of the area, and I would not expect it to be, since, as a specialist, I am likely to work with people who have certain commonalities. However, it is nonetheless fascinating seeing themes arise over time. 

In the past two weeks, a lot of my clients have felt an uptick in depression and anxiety.  Many of these amazing people have coped fairly well over the winter months this year, and, in our area, the winter was relatively mild, with some cold temperatures but minimal snow.  However, much of the month of March was rainy, windy, and cloudy and it seems that this prolonged absence of sunlight was one step too far for many of us.

While it’s cloudy today, the last two days were lovely - warm and sunny with beautiful blue skies.  I can’t wait to hear how folks are feeling this week to see if the improvement in weather has any impact!!

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

This type of depression tends to start and end at the same time each year, typically commencing in the fall and ending in the spring.  These folks tend to have the typical symptoms of depression, with a few unique symptoms, including excessive sleep, craving carbs, weight gain, and low energy. Sounds fun.

DID YOU KNOW? A smaller percentage of those affected by SAD have the Spring-Summer type SAD, where they tend to feel worse all summer.  Why? -there are no great answers here, as far as I know.

Contributing factors

Okay, there is no definitive answer about what actually causes SAD but there are some factors that are likely to contribute:

• Family history: I suppose it could be biological, environmental or both.

• Co-occurring depression or bipolar disorder

• SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE

• Location: People that live further from the planet's equator tend to get less light 

• Low Vitamin D: It is plausible that getting less sunlight results in less Vitamin D, which can be derived from sunlight

• Interruption in production of serotonin and/or melatonin due to impaired functioning of the hypothalamus

• Disruption of circadian rhythms (or body’s internal clock) which regulates sleep

When to seek help

It’s pretty common for people to feel a little low during the shorter and colder days of winter but it is likely to become a formally diagnosable issue (technically, it will probably be diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder, with seasonal pattern) when it impairs your functioning at home, at work, at school, socially with friends and family. For example, you wake up on a work day and simply cannot get out of bed, despite needing to go to work, get the kids off to daycare, and a million other things. You sleep all day and only get up to eat or use the toilet.

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for sufferers to encounter complications.  These can include self-isolation, performance/behavior problems at school or at work, problematic substance use, and suicidal thoughts or actions.  Please take these symptoms seriously.

Some potential treatments

• Medication and/or supplements from a medical professional

• light therapy

• psychotherapy

• changes in diet and exercise

Questions?

Check out my website, request an appointment, or call/email to ask for a free 15-minute consultation.

email: Rachel@rachelcsykes.com 
phone: 617.804.6471

References

Mayo Clinic Staff, December 14, 2021.  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651

National Health Services UK (NHS). Overview - Seasonal Affective Disorder.  May 20, 2022. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/#:~:text=body's%20internal%20clock%20