Seasonal affective disorder is more than just the ‘winter blues’

Why so downcast, oh my soul? Do you feel miserable as the season changes? Do you struggle to shake off a low mood with fatigue?

You might be suffering with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

This is a very real, reoccurring form of depression with several symptoms that have a negative effect on a person’s functioning.

Symptoms of SAD occur during autumn and winter and lift with the arrival of spring.

SAD is more than just the winter blues. Its occurrence is linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain prompted by less daylight in winter.

The change in season sets off a disruptive shift in the biological internal clock or circadian rhythms of those with SAD, impacting their ability to engage optimally in daily demands.

Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with SAD, symptoms need to be present at the same time of year for two consecutive years, with no other explanation for the mood or behaviour.

Symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe and include many symptoms found in major depressive disorder.

Symptoms
• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

• Changes in appetite: usually eating more, craving carbohydrates

• Change in sleep: usually sleeping too much

• Loss of energy or increased fatigue despite increased sleep hours

• Increase in purposeless physical activity (inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable to others)

• Feeling worthless or guilty

• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

• Thoughts of death or suicide.

Those with a history of depression or bipolar mood disorder may be at a greater risk.

Women are more likely to suffer with SAD.

Do something about it
Don’t just brush it off! Make an effort to keep your mood, motivation, energy and how you show up in the world consistent throughout the year.

The Bible teaches us that there is a season for everything under heaven. We also know that we will have tribulation in this world, but we can be of good cheer because Jesus overcame the world.

He came to give us life in abundance. We need to apply ourselves to enter His rest and live in the goodness of God by faith.

This reminds me of a song titled, Through it all written by Reuben Morgan. The lyrics beautifully say, “You are forever in my life, You see me through the seasons”.

Go listen. It will bless you.

When we face hardships, our response is not to doubt God, instead we believe that He loves us and that He delights in the prosperity of our souls.

You can live blessed, productive and content throughout the year. Like a tree planted by the rivers of water.

Treatment
• Light therapy: We are very blessed to live in a country with mostly sunny weather. Spend more time outdoors to increase your vitamin D intake. Ensure your indoor environment lets a lot of natural light in during the day.

• Antidepressants: Moderate to severe episodes require medication to increase serotonin and regulate melatonin levels. The condition of patients who suffer with untreated depression may worsen without treatment.

• Psychotherapy: Seek therapy to talk about the impact of SAD on your sense of self, relationships and productivity. Depression has the dangerous ability to build on itself. Difficulties in one area of life can cause a cycle of events that can spiral out of control.

Depression can cause a lack of motivation and energy, leading to isolation and doing the bare minimum creating new problems that cause stress. Therapy helps to identify maladaptive behaviors while exploring solutions to activate healthier reactions.

• General well-being: Exercise releases endorphins which aids your well-being. Taking a walk is an excellent idea to lift your spirit and expose you to sunlight. Work on eating healthy and staying active.

The Believer
As children of God we have amazing spiritual tools at our disposal that can facilitate our healing.

•  Pray: Prayer soothes deep parts of the brain involved with our well-being. It releases endorphins (happy hormones) that lifts our spirit.

•  Hope: Our relationship with God goes beyond our physical limitations and provides us with hope when all seems dark.
Meditating on the word of God helps strengthen, preserve and sustain us during tough times.

• Healing Communities: Connecting with others who can pray and offer encouragement increases our resilience and decreases loneliness, risk of suicide and substance abuse.

This article was submitted by Minnebron resident Pastor Anneline Reetley, a reputable counselling psychologist with two master’s degrees in psychology. She’s been in the field of psychology since 2001.

Anneline inherited and continues her father’s legacy as the senior pastor of Rehoboth Christian Fellowship in Geluksdal.

She loves to work at the intersection of faith and mental health.

Anneline is also the founder of Blossom God’s Girl, which seeks to promote mental health in women by employing concepts of psychology and Christianity.