Shedding Light on SAD

There’s help for seasonal affective disorder

The long, dark days of winter are upon us. For 10-20 percent of American adults, wintertime heralds the onset of SAD (seasonal affective disorder), a mood disorder linked to seasonal sunlight changes.

“SAD mimics depression,” says home health psychiatric nurse specialist John Boos, R.N., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Symptoms include lethargy, changes in sleep and appetite, feelings of hopelessness, reduced interest in pleasurable activities, carbohydrate cravings—even suicidal thoughts,” says Boos’ colleague, licensed social worker Thomas Smith. If you or someone you care about has these symptoms, Smith and Boos offer this advice:

Get more sunlight. Sit near a window and open shades during the day.

Exercise regularly. Physical activity boosts mood. If the weather doesn’t permit walking outside, use the mall.

Get involved. Being around other people is good therapy.

Stick with it. Even if you don’t feel like exercising or seeing friends, do it anyway. If these activities don’t become more enjoyable over time, see your doctor.

Get help if you need it. A counselor (ask your doctor for a referral) or pastor can help you deal with feelings of isolation. If you feel suicidal or desperate, see your doctor at once.

Want to Know More about SAD or about a research study on SAD? Click on the links in the column on the right side of this page.

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