Don't be SAD this winter
by Kim Phillipson, Health Information Center Intern

The holidays are generally a time of happiness among most people. There are some individuals, though, who do experience sadness during the holidays and this is not unusual. This is sometimes referred to as the “holiday blues.” There can be many different reasons for this sadness, including loneliness and nostalgia. If this sadness lasts beyond the holidays and into the new year, it may not be the “holiday blues” but a disorder called SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a form of depression. Symptoms typically occur during the winter months, especially during January and February and disappear during the spring and summer. If you suffer from an unexplainable depression during the winter months, you are not alone. It is estimated that 10 million to 25 million Americans experience depression that recurs in seasons with less daylight. Signs and symptoms of SAD include: •depression •loss of energy •anxiety •irritability •increased sleep and never feeling fully rested •loss of interest in sex •overeating, especially foods high in carbohydrates •difficulty concentrating and processing information These symptoms may sound familiar to you. About 6% of Americans suffer these symptoms so badly that they cannot function. Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from SAD. It strikes pubescent girls, becomes more common among women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, then declines with menopause. As with many other health conditions, stress can aggravate SAD. A move to a colder climate can also bring about SAD symptoms, especially since days are shorter and outdoor activities are limited. This illness is far more common in northern cities. WellAware in .pdf ( 468k )	You can learn more about SAD by contacting: The National Mental Health Association NMHA Information Center 1021 Prince Street Alexandria, VA 22314-2917 1-800-969-6642 DART (Depression, Awareness, Recognition, Treatment) 1-800-421-4211	Researchers have tied SAD to melatonin, a sleep-related hormone that the human body produces and releases in the dark. Production of the hormone seems particularly active during winter months, when the days are shorter and darker. If you feel down for days at a time and life seems to be losing its pleasure, if you notice that your sleep and appetite are affected, if it’s threatening your job or affecting family life, see your health care provider. Despite the uncertainty about SAD, you can do something about it. Although there are treatment options, including light therapy, antidepressant medicines and counseling, you should discuss options with your doctor. Light therapy is currently the treatment of choice for SAD. This involves exposing the person to special lamps that are 10 to 20 times brighter than ordinary indoor lights. Research concludes that light therapy is most effective when administered first thing in the morning. The only side effects it seems to cause are occasional eyestrain and head-aches. If you are diagnosed with SAD you can also make lifestyle changes: •Increase the amount of light in your home • Walk outdoors on sunny days, even during the winter • If possible, take winter vacations in a sunny, warm location • Try sleeping less and eating fewer carbohydrates • Learn ways to manage stress. If you feel that you or someone close to you may have SAD, call the Upper Michigan Behavioral Health Service C.A.R.E.S. line at 906-225-3994 or 1-800-562-9753 extension 3994 for a free, confidential assessment.

Inside this Issue Nutrition talk..............2 Sleep Awareness........3 Fitness tips..................3 Word Search...............4

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