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Londoners are already feeling the winter blues with the beginning of colder weather and the earlier setting sun.
“We’re starting to see people come in and, our referrals, people start calling in for therapy, seeking out therapy as we get into these darker months ahead,” says registered social worker and psychotherapist, Christie Cortese.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression that is linked with the seasons. Most people who experience SAD feel the symptoms in the fall and winter months but some also feel this form of depression in the spring and summer months.
“Emotional symptoms of SAD are persistent sadness or feeling down, so changes in mood, loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, feeling hopeless or worthless, irritability and frustration as well,” Cortese continues. “Some physical symptoms include fatigue and low energy, despite adequate sleep, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, changes in sleep patterns, such as oversleeping, changes in appetite often craving things like carbohydrates, right, which leads to weight gain, social withdrawal or isolation, as well as physical aches and pains.”
Around 15 per cent of Canadians experience a mild form of SAD and two to three per cent experience severe symptoms, according to the Canadian Psychological Association.
“I feel short-tempered and end up spending a lot of time in front of the TV which then makes me angry because I’m not being productive,” says one Fanshawe Student. “I try getting out, like, to the mall, for a walk, whatever I can to just force myself out of the house.”
When suffering from SAD, coping mechanisms may be necessary.
“Socializing is very important, when you’re feeling this disorder we often don’t want to go out and socialize. We’re tired. It seems like a lot of work, but anyway, you can keep up that kind of socialization, and integrating that is a very good thing, even when it feels difficult,” Cortese says. “Considering therapy is also a good way to manage. Therapy can help with getting you motivated to get outside, keeping you on track, you know, talking about those feelings that you’re having as well, right? So you’re working through them instead of sitting in them.”
Some other coping mechanisms include lightbox for 20 to 30 minutes, maximizing natural light, regular exercise, maintaining a sleep routine, eating a healthy diet, and taking Vitamin D, Cortese adds.
“The serotonin levels need to be kicked up a bit so that can be of consideration for those that are open to taking medication,” Cortese says.
If you are feeling symptoms of SAD, you can reach out to your family doctor or counseling.
