It's alright to feel SAD: Let's talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder
It’s that time of the year again: you look outside your window and the snow has embraced every tree in sight, the winds are chilly enough to make you squint, and you don’t remember the last time you felt warm sunlight on your face. Winter’s in full swing, and if you’re feeling a little extra gloomy and tired, you’re not alone.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression influenced by changing seasons. As the days get shorter, colder, and darker, it’s common to feel despondent, fatigued, and even irritable. In fact, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association, about 2 to 10% of Canadians experience SAD in varying degrees during winter months. While this is usually brushed off as ‘winter blues’, there is a plethora of research that shows SAD is more than, well, just feeling sad.
Seasonal Affective Disorder makes up about 10% of depression cases each year, and it’s usually caused by reduced exposure to sunlight, reduced daylight hours, and lifestyle changes that come with the onset of winter. Some common symptoms that people with SAD experience are feeling listless or sad, feeling sluggish or low on energy, difficulty concentrating, hypersomnia, increased appetite, and even losing interest in activities you enjoy in warmer months.
Seasonal Affective Disorder doesn’t discriminate: it can affect anyone. However, some groups are at a higher risk of developing SAD, which include:
Women: Some studies have found that women are nine times more likely to develop SAD than men
Adults: SAD mostly affects adults than children or teenagers, and the risk of developing it reduces after the age of 50
Residents of colder countries: People living in cold countries such as Canada are more likely to experience SAD than people who live closer to the equator. This is linked to low exposure to sunlight during the winter months
Seasonal Affective Disorder affects different people to varying degrees. It can range from feeling moody to changing the way you function and day-to-day activities. If any of these symptoms resonate with you, here are some ways to beat SAD:
Consult a therapist: Talking to a professional can help in more ways than you can imagine. It’s not just about finding a solution, it’s also about having an outlet to share your emotions in a safe space, which can further help you feel better, lighter, and more energetic.
Get that Vitamin D: Vitamin D insufficiency is more common than you might think. About 32% of Canadians have insufficient vitamin D levels and 10% of Canadians are deficient. Soak up some sunlight or add supplements to your diet to ensure you’re getting enough of this golden vitamin during the winter months: it has the potential to regulate your mood!
Get active: Winter months tend to disrupt your activity levels, and your body might be missing its usual dose of endorphins. Try to find a workout buddy or fun exercising alternatives, such as Zumba, to keep you moving.
Share and reach out: While you might feel hesitant about sharing, it often helps to empty your cup every once in a while. Be it a friend, a family member, or a professional, reaching out to someone you trust can help lighten the burden of SAD and even encourage others to do the same!
SAD is more than just a state of mind: it’s a real condition that can affect your everyday life, which is why it’s important to identify its symptoms when they hit you. Take it one step at a time, remember that your emotions are valid, and help is always there whenever you decide to reach out for it.
If you’re confused about getting started, contact us, and we’ll lend you a helping hand!
