Winter’s on its way. Business is not quite as booming as in those strong summer months when the construction industry enjoys more of the fruits of its labor, so to speak. Combine the winter blahs with the building blues, and what might you get? S.A.D.
It has actually been documented that especially during this time of year; many people are prone to a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D. Below is an explanation of this disorder and its symptoms:
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
According to Wikipedia, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that tends to occur (and recur) as the days grow shorter in the fall and winter. It is believed that affected people react adversely to the decreasing amounts of sunlight and the colder temperatures as the fall and winter progress. It is important to note that although SAD usually presents in the fall and winter there are those who suffer from this condition during the summer instead of, or in addition to, during the fall or winter.
SAD has not been long recognized as an official diagnosis. The term first appeared in print in 1985. Seasonal Affective Disorder is also referred to as winter depression, winter blues, or the hibernation reaction.
The incidence of SAD increases in people who are living farther away from the equator. Statistics on SAD in the United States show the disorder occurs in about 5% of adults, with up to 20% of people having some symptoms of the condition but not sufficient enough to meet diagnostic criteria for this disorder. SAD is less common where there is snow on the ground. The average age of people first developing this illness is age 23. People of all ages can develop seasonal affective disorder.
Although there is no specific diagnostic test for the illness, it is understood that symptoms of SAD include tiredness, fatigue, depression, crying spells, irritability, trouble concentrating, body aches, poor sleep, decreased activity level, and overeating, especially of carbohydrates, with associated weight gain.
The symptoms of SAD typically tend to begin in the fall each year, lasting until spring. The symptoms are more intense during the darkest months. Therefore, the more common months of symptoms will vary depending on how far from the equator one lives.
So what do we do if we find ourselves far from the equator and feeling blue? Here are just a few suggestions for combating this seasonal issue:
Regular exposure to light that is bright, particularly fluorescent lights, significantly improves depression in people with this disorder when it presents during the fall and winter. Individuals who suffer from SAD will also likely benefit from increased social support during vulnerable times of the year.
Phototherapy (regular exposure to light) is commercially available in the form of light boxes, which are used for approximately 30 minutes daily. The light required must be of sufficient brightness, approximately 25 times as bright as a normal living room light. Contrary to prior theories, the light does not need to be actual daylight from the sun. It seems that it is quantity, not necessarily quality of light that matters in the light therapy of seasonal affective disorder. The most common possible side effects associated with phototherapy include irritability, insomnia, headaches, and eyestrain.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, be encouraged that it lasts only for a season and should improve by spring. Until then, follow the tips mentioned here and see if your mood doesn’t improve. If not, may I suggest a few weeks in Quito, Ecuador?
Linda Cauger, Administrative Assistant
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