It’s easy to want to head inside and curl up under the covers when the days get shorter and temperatures start to drop. But for some, that feeling can mean more than wanting to stay warm. If you’ve noticed friends or family members suffering from depression during the winter months, they may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

How do I know if someone is suffering from SAD?

According to Mental Health America, more than half a million people suffer from SAD every winter between September and April. Someone with SAD may experience the following symptoms during winter months and have symptoms lessen or disappear in the spring or summer:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood changes
• Trouble sleeping
• Tiredness
• Overeating
• Problems getting along with others
• Changes in appetite
• Sexual problems

What causes SAD?

Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes SAD, but they have narrowed it down to two likely causes:

• Reduced sunlight in the winter
• Increased melatonin levels

Melatonin, a hormone that may cause symptoms of depression, is produced at increased levels in the dark. Researchers think that our bodies’ increased production of melatonin during long, dark winter months contributes to SAD.

How is seasonal affective disorder treated?

There are different treatment options available for individuals suffering from SAD. Those may include:

• Phototherapy or bright light therapy. Individuals sit under bright lights designed to mimic outside light for varying times throughout the day. Researchers speculate that the light boxes help slow the brain’s secretion of melatonin and lessen feelings of depression.
• Outdoor activities. Walking outside for an hour has been found to be more effective than sitting under bright lights for two hours. People suffering from seasonal affective disorder should try to get outside during daylight hours.
• Maximize sunlight – even inside. Rearranging furniture, opening curtains or moving desks closer to windows can help people get more indirect sunlight during winter months.
• Antidepressants. A doctor may prescribe antidepressants for severe cases of seasonal affective disorder.
• Outpatient therapy/partial hospitalization. Get help from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist by calling Willowbrooke at Tanner at 770-812-9551 to schedule a free mental health assessment.

How can I help a friend with SAD?

When friends or family members aren’t feeling their best, it’s natural to want to lend a hand. The best way to help someone with seasonal affective disorder is to let him or her know you’re there and that you understand she or she is dealing with something more than just the winter blues.

Other ways to help a friend feel a little better include:

• Be a good listener.
• Invite him or her on a walk outside during daylight.
• Offer to help rearrange furniture to get more sunlight inside.
• Encourage him or her to take a vacation, and join in if you can.
• Plan a day of his or her favorite activities.
• Cook a favorite food or treat.

If you or someone you love is suffering from seasonal affective disorder, please call Willowbrooke at Tanner’s 24-hour helpline at 770-812-9551.