Written by: Amy Mejias
Editor’s note: The following article is written in partnership with Counseling Services and the Southern Accent.
Summer is my favorite season. I love spending time outdoors and doing activities, such as swimming in the warm sunshine. I also enjoy the beginning of autumn when the sun is still warm and bright.
But then something happens to me in the second half of autumn. The time changes, and it gets dark earlier. The temperature drops, and it’s no longer enjoyable to spend time outside. Reminders that the holidays are approaching are everywhere, and the building anxiety about the pressures surrounding them begins.
My Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) begins in the second half of autumn. After experiencing this for the past few years, I know what is coming. As we dive into winter, I live in a constant state of either depression or anxiety. At least now I have a name to put to this phenomenon. Initially, I didn’t know why I was experiencing these feelings. Then I started researching.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), symptoms may include changes in weight, problems with sleep, problems concentrating and depression symptoms such as feeling hopeless or having thoughts of death or suicide.
In any given year, 5% of the U.S. population suffers from SAD, the majority of which are women, and it is more prevalent in adults in their 20s and 30s, according to Mental Health America.
According to an article published by the Mayo Foundation, some of the potential causes of SAD include the fact that there is less sunlight in the winter, which affects a person’s “internal clock.” Lack of sunlight can affect our levels of serotonin, mood stabilizing chemicals in our body. Changes in the weather can also affect melatonin levels, which in turn can cause trouble sleeping and trigger depression.
A treatment often used for SAD is light therapy. Light therapy lamps can be used for about half an hour in the morning. For those that can find the time, the lamps are said to have benefits.
According to the NIMH, other treatments include taking vitamin D supplements and investing in therapy. In more severe cases, taking antidepressants starting a few weeks before the seasonal changes may offer some relief.
There are a few other things that have helped me personally. First of all, I go for a walk, even when it’s cold out and I don’t want to. Exercise does wonders for mental health, and I am able to benefit from the sunshine. I also seek support on Facebook through a SAD group. The group has 8,500 members, which assures me that I am not alone. Hearing about other people’s experiences and suggestions has been both comforting and helpful.
However SAD may affect you or someone that you care about, I hope this information has been helpful and that you are able to use some of these suggestions to get through the season. Always remember, if you or someone you know feels suicidal due to SAD or any other reason, please contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
