Seasonal Affective Disorder recognized in December
By Lugino Petrone
Issue date: 12/3/07 Section: Features
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It is odd how much the seasons can have an effect on us. In the summer, there is a prevailing sense of joy and freedom, connectedness and hope. Every emotion a person could derive from the words "bright" and "warm" is readily available. The simplest things like walking outside of your home to a sunny sky can be the cause of elation. However, as we all know, things are not always sunny, and they are most definitely not always warm.
If bright and warm is the summer, then arguably dark and cold is the winter. It has been said that every mile is two in winter, and none feel this extra mile more than those with Seasonal Affective Disorder, (SAD) commonly called Seasonal Depression.
To raise awareness for this disorder, December has been chosen to be Seasonal Depression Awareness Month. A person might think it odd to designate a month of holidays and expectations of "being jolly" for raising depression awareness, but upon further review, there is no better month for it.
SAD affects about six-and-a-half percent of the population and occurs as the days get shorter and there is less light. December is host to the winter solstice, the date when daylight is most limited and night is longest. For those suffering with SAD, this point in midwinter can be the worst for their malleable moods.
As winter comes, many people start to feel the "winter blues." They may become a little more tired or anxious. After all, there are not many positive things that people can associate with the darkness of shortened days or the coldness of winter. What is particular to those affected by the disorder is the heightened symptoms that they experience.
During the winter, those who suffer from SAD experience increased sadness, heightened anxiety, irritability, the desire to be alone and a decrease in concentration. They might also experience lethargy, leading to an increased need for sleep and cravings for sweets and carbohydrates which might lead to weight gain. The combination of several of these symptoms can be debilitating and ultimately affect relationships or work.
If bright and warm is the summer, then arguably dark and cold is the winter. It has been said that every mile is two in winter, and none feel this extra mile more than those with Seasonal Affective Disorder, (SAD) commonly called Seasonal Depression.
To raise awareness for this disorder, December has been chosen to be Seasonal Depression Awareness Month. A person might think it odd to designate a month of holidays and expectations of "being jolly" for raising depression awareness, but upon further review, there is no better month for it.
SAD affects about six-and-a-half percent of the population and occurs as the days get shorter and there is less light. December is host to the winter solstice, the date when daylight is most limited and night is longest. For those suffering with SAD, this point in midwinter can be the worst for their malleable moods.
As winter comes, many people start to feel the "winter blues." They may become a little more tired or anxious. After all, there are not many positive things that people can associate with the darkness of shortened days or the coldness of winter. What is particular to those affected by the disorder is the heightened symptoms that they experience.
During the winter, those who suffer from SAD experience increased sadness, heightened anxiety, irritability, the desire to be alone and a decrease in concentration. They might also experience lethargy, leading to an increased need for sleep and cravings for sweets and carbohydrates which might lead to weight gain. The combination of several of these symptoms can be debilitating and ultimately affect relationships or work.
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