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By Derek Craddock

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

What to do when you experience the winter blues and feel SAD

Nov 23, 2021 | 8:00 AM

The days are getting colder, and the nights are getting longer, which for some is tough to handle.

As fall becomes winter in Prince Albert and all of Saskatchewan, those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD will have a hard time getting through the season.

SAD is a type of depression that affects millions of people during the same season each year. It usually happens in the fall or winter, but some people have experienced season-linked symptoms in the summer, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

A spokesperson for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) told paNOW the degree to which people are affected with SAD varies from person to person.

“People working shift work or away from natural light, (i.e., in a mine), are also affected. Our lifestyles combine with our coping skills and resiliency to lessen the impact,” said Doug Kinar with CMHA.

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Earlier this month, the CMHA in Saskatoon reported an increase in the number of people seeking support for SAD, with the pandemic playing a likely role in that spike.

Some common symptoms of SAD include feelings of depression, loss of appetite, fatigue and feeling lethargic.

Bryce Lechelt is a Rapid Access Counsellor with the Catholic Family Services in Prince Albert (CFSPA). While he said they haven’t had many calls regarding SAD specifically, he said the winter season often compounds other struggles in a person’s life.

“COVID affects us negatively. Often it’s just a contributor and so the winter gets harder and they realize they need to talk to someone,” Lechelt said.

Lechelt said it is likely the CFSPA could get more calls as the winter progresses.

He said there are some practical ways for people to help overcome symptoms of SAD including using full-spectrum lighting to mimic sunlight, limiting the amount of sugar and carbs you eat and exercising.

He added staying connected with others is also a positive step.

“Connect with positive people in your life who can uplift you a little bit. Laughter and connection can really help improve our own moods,” Lechelt explained.

Kinar said one of the other ways to stay positive during this season is to remember there are celebrations every six or eight weeks. This includes Thanksgiving and Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Family Day, and Easter.

According to the CMHA people living in more northern communities are more likely to experience SAD than those who live close to the equator. This is because the amount of daylight you receive changes as you move further north.

It’s estimated that about two to three per cent of Canadians will experience SAD in their lifetime which makes up about 10 per cent of all depression cases nationwide.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock