What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD, is a type of depression that is associated with the seasons of the year, typically Fall and Winter. Symptoms often have their onset at the same time each year, and may result in symptoms such as low mood, difficulty concentrating, sadness, feeling hopeless, guilty, worthless, increased carbohydrate cravings resulting in weight gain as well as difficulty sleeping. Spring and Summer SAD, while less frequent may also affect a person’s wellbeing.
A Danish study found an increase in hospital admissions for depression as well as an 8% increase in depression diagnosis in the month following the changing of clocks. For many people, these symptoms dissipated after several weeks, but for others, the symptoms can last throughout the fall and winter months. In Canada, some 2-3% of people will experience Seasonal Affective Disorder with up to 15% of Canadians experiencing a milder form of SAD.
Treating SAD
Various treatments have found to be successful in managing Seasonal Affective Disorder. Light therapy, various supplements, self-help and/or counselling have shown efficacy in treating SAD.
If you are interested in learning more about strategies and tools to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder, book an appointment with our counsellor, Julie.
For more information:
Seasonal Affective Disorder (cmha.bc.ca)
Is Daylight Saving Time to Blame for Seasonal Depression? | Mental Floss
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
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About the Author - Julie Watts
Julie Watts is a Registered Social Worker obtaining her Master's in Social Work with Wilfrid Laurier University. Julie is also a graduate of the University of Toronto Foundations in Mindfulness Meditation program and most recently completed the Science of Happiness at Berkeley University. She has completed various yoga training courses.
Julie has over 20 years of experience in the social services sector. Her scope of work has included child welfare, domestic violence, youth and adult justice, community health and anti-poverty work.
As a private practitioner, Julie uses various modalities including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Positive Psychology, Attachment, Trauma-Informed practice and Solution-Focused narrative therapy; Julie uses a person-centred approach to facilitate healing and growth.
Julie has found that almost every person she has supported has wanted to feel better in the their life. Julie is excited to join Absolute Health & Wellness and help YOU move from languishing to flourishing!
To book in please call us at (519) 442-2206 or click here.