Winter “Blues”
Posted on January 30, 2016 by bob in In Every Life
Alabama has experienced an unusual amount of cloudy days in the past several weeks. I was asked how 
this related to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). More pronounced than what some people call “winter blues,” SAD was first discussed in the 1980s and is now classified as a type of recurring depression. SAD is more prevalent in areas at a greater distance from the equator. People may notice a decline in mood, energy, and concentration, with an increase in fatigue, sleep and craving for high carbohydrate foods beginning in late fall and resolving in spring. Other symptoms for SAD may include irritability, anxiety, decreased concentration, and loss of interest or withdrawal from usual activities. A few experience the changes in late spring through fall (Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder or S-SAD). Other symptoms for S-SAD may include decreased appetite, restlessness, and weight loss. Researchers have proposed causes such as change in available sunlight affecting the body’s regulation of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Actually, all people adjust to seasonal changes in circadian rhythms, Vitamin D absorption, and amount of production of hormones such as melatonin. Consider your own response when daylight savings time begins or ends. All of us can be aware and proactive to maintain health promotion behaviors such as dietary intake (appropriate balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats within your calorie range), adequate hydration with water, stretching and exercise, exposure to morning sunlight, stress reduction and use of effective coping methods. Regular health examinations can determine change in levels of blood pressure, blood glucose, hormones, cardiac and renal function that could be factors other than SAD that influence energy and mood.
The terms proneness or susceptibility are used when people score higher on self-rating tools for seasonal depression, as these tools do not constitute an accurate diagnosis. Any identified changes or symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider and considered in context of other changes or health conditions. Thyroid, cardiac, blood glucose, and many other conditions can influence mood and affect energy levels. Individuals and families should never dismiss feelings, but rather consult a healthcare provider to assess for possible causes and determine a diagnosis in order to begin therapy specifically tailored to the individual’s situation and needs. Bright light therapy alone or in conjunction with counseling and antidepressant medications has been shown to be effective, but must be used with supervision of a healthcare provider to reduce risk for eye damage. Prompt treatment can help and prevent further decline in depressive symptoms. Any consideration of harming self or others must be immediately evaluated and treated.
Arlene H. Morris, EdD, RN, CNE, is Professor of Nursing, Auburn Montgomery School of Nursing, and a past president of the Ala. State Nurses Association. Reach her at amorris@aum.edu.
