What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

It’s that time of year again.  Time for cold weather and short days.  Time for holiday lights and gifts.  Time to reconnect with family and friends.  And, unfortunately, time for the “holiday blues,” or the general feeling of malaise that many people experience around the holiday season.

The clinical term for the “holiday blues” is Seasonal Affective Disorder.  This phenomenon is so common that Seasonal Affective Disorder is thought to affect up to 3% of the population each year between the months of November and February.  While the exact cause of this disorder is unknown, it is widely assumed that holiday stressors and lessened sunlight during the winter months contribute to the appearance of Seasonal Affective Disorder, even in populations that experience no other mental health concerns.

Seasonal Affective Disorder follows similar symptom patterns as Major Depressive Disorder including, but not limited to, low motivation, a general feeling of apathy or sadness, difficulty focusing, irritability, changes in eating and/or sleeping habits, and a decrease in positive self care habits.  As noted above, these symptoms typically occur during the winter months, but can begin as early as late October and can end as late as early March.

If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, there are some things that you can do to assist with decreasing your symptoms.  Firstly, try to get as much sunlight as possible during the day.  Try to go outside on breaks during work or school, or even begin or end your workday earlier if you can.  Secondly, speak with your medical provider regarding any natural supplements and/or vitamins you might take to replace benefits you would typically get from the sun.  Thirdly, make sure to stay connected with family and friends and be intentional about spending time out of the home.  Lastly, stay on top of good habits including regular exercise, healthy eating, and appropriate sleep hygiene.

If you regularly experience depressive symptoms during the winter months, know that you are not alone and that there is help available to you.  If you struggle with managing your symptoms, seek professional support to continue to build skills to leave the “holiday blues” in the dust this holiday season.