'Tis the season for Canadians to fend off SAD
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Don’t let the winter blues get you down.
This is the time of year when many will suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.
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It’s a type of depression that strikes in the winter months when the days are short, cold and darker.
Canadians, being farther from the equator, are more likely to suffer from SAD than those in places like the Caribbean.
About 6% of the population will suffer extreme symptoms that can include suicidal thoughts or an episode of major depression.
And 15% of people will experience milder symptoms that include low energy and apathy.
SAD is also four times more common in women than men.
Preventative steps can include light therapy, and in some cases prescribed medication, said Tania Da Silva, clinical director at Behaviour Matters Treatment Centre.
Dedicated light therapy boxes are stronger than a normal light bulb and have been proven to lessen symptoms of SAD.
These light boxes are different from those used to treat conditions such as psoriasis or other skin conditions.
The light box therapy produces a chemical change in the brain, Da Silva said.
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Clinically, SAD is a fairly common form of a mental illness — even if it’s not a clinical one.
Symptoms — there’s a variance which depends on the rest of a person’s mental state, Da Silva said.
“If a client is depressed, they might be encouraged to look into medication and talk about counselling.
If someone is experiencing anger, exhaustion or trouble concentrating they can outside during the day and be active when there is natural light.
Shorter hours of daylight can limit the secretion of hormones, so few people feel as well as they do in the summer as they do during the winter months.
High-intensity exercise can also help improve hormone balances.
Researchers agree that eating well and avoiding sweets and carbs can also be beneficial.
Foods rich in vitamin D — which we can get from the sun — may also help manage depression.
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