Winter season brings SAD

Doctors advise to be aware of depression symptoms linked with winter season

For some people, every Christmas is blue.

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is depression that's tied to the seasons. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, most people with SAD have symptoms in the winter - which include low energy, wanting to sleep all the time or having trouble sleeping, craving carbs and overeating. Some feel the urge to withdraw socially and hibernate until spring.

While everyone has down moments, people with SAD face recurring, season-long stretches of depression that can begin as early as late fall.

"If someone was concerned about SAD, or any form of depression I'd recommend speaking with a professional," said Debi Bell, executive director of the University of Missouri Psychology Services Clinic.

She said anyone who notices symptoms, they should speak with a primary care physician or a mental health professional trained to diagnose and treat depression.

According to information from American Family Physician, up to one in five people may have SAD-like symptoms. It's four times more common in women than in men, and the farther north you live, the more likely you are to have SAD.

Researchers think one cause of SAD is a lack of sunshine. The far north has longer winter nights than an equatorial paradise, after all. That's why SAD is commonly treated with light therapy. Sitting next to a bright light that mimics sunlight - like a HappyLight or other similar products - can help relieve symptoms, NIMH states. SAD may also be treated with antidepressants or psychotherapy.

Beating the blues

Even without a diagnosis of SAD, many people feel the "winter blahs," Bell said.

"We know that winter is associated with a variety of issues that can affect physical and mental health," she said.

Bell listed decreased sunlight, holiday busyness and financial stresses, frequent viruses and winter weather hassles as potential stressors.

"With all of these things, and the fast pace and high expectations of how winter holidays 'should be,' people can be surprised at the stress they feel," Bell said. "And then failure to manage the physical and emotional stress well can lead to the physical and psychological symptoms of depression."

Luckily, she said, there are many ways to take on the "blahs."

The most-important thing is taking care of yourself. Bell recommends eating well, taking doctor-recommended vitamins and getting sufficient rest. Exercising is a good idea, too, especially if it's a form of exercise you enjoy.

Spending time with loved ones also helps, and what better time to do that than the holidays?

Finally, she said, try not to set yourself up for failure by forming unrealistic expectations. Not every holiday party needs to be lifestyle magazine-perfect, and one thoughtful gift is just as good as a heap.

"Don't be afraid to let go of some obligations that really aren't that important," she said. "Think about the expectations you're setting for yourself."