Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a recurring depression that affects individuals during the winter months and recedes during the spring and summer.
How common is SAD?
An estimated 2 to 6 percent of Canadians suffer from SAD. Seventy-five percent of those affected are women, mostly in their 20s, 30s and 40s. SAD is most common during these ages but can also occur in children, adolescents and the elderly.
What causes SAD?
The exact cause of SAD is still unknown, but researchers suspect that an increased level of melatonin in the blood could be a factor. Melatonin increases the need and desire to sleep. SAD affects people more during the colder, darker months when the body produces more melatonin.
Decreased exposure to sunlight resulting in increased melatonin production causes the biological clock that regulates mood, sleep and hormones to run slower in winter. Therefore, those most affected by SAD usually live in areas that experience decreased daylight for months at a time.
What are the symptoms?
Signs of SAD can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In general, symptoms include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Low energy and fatigue
- Decreased interest in daily activities
- Moodiness and irritability
- Increased appetite with weight gain
- Cravings for carbohydrates
- Increased sleep, with more daytime sleepiness
Coping with SAD
In severe cases, your doctor can prescribe medication, but often self-help tactics can be very effective:
- Increase the amount of light in your home. Open blinds, add skylights and trim trees that block sunlight.
- Get outside. Walk outdoors on sunny days, even during winter months.
- Exercise regularly. Physical exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate SAD.
- Find ways to relax.
- Learn how to manage stress better.
- Take a trip. If possible, take winter vacations to sunny, warm destinations.
What options are there to support employees?
Employees can only be their best when they feel their best. When an employee’s mental health suffers, their work tends to suffer too. By acknowledging the reality of Seasonal Affective Disorder, encouraging workplace communication on the topic, and offering practical solutions through an Employee Assistance Plan (such as therapy, assessment, and treatment), supports for SAD can be put into place.
Not sure if your Employee Assistance Plan has what it takes to support your employees’ mental health effectively? Contact us to discuss the options for a custom solution for your business.
