SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – According to the American Psychiatric Association, about five percent of adults will experience seasonal depression, lasting about 40 percent of the year. ‘
Our bodies’ natural biological rhythms aren’t in sync with natural light and day cycles, says Barbara Bumberry, a family medicine physician at Mercy Health.
Winter blues, cabin fever, whatever you call it, seasonal affective disorder occurs when there is less sunlight during the day.
And what makes seasonal affective disorder different from depressive disorder is that it occurs repeatedly around the same time every year, says Baily Pyle, Burrell Behavioral Health.
Seasonal depression can affect men, women and children. It usually begins between the ages of 18 and 30 and occurs every year. Why does it affect some and not others?
It is not an exact science explaining why some people suffer from seasonal affective disorder. But we know a lot about depression. There are certain hereditary factors. Some factors may impact just our personal experiences, depending on our personality type, as well as the amount of stress and distress we experience on a regular basis, says Pyle.
It is essential to discuss your feelings with your mental health professional or primary care physician.
If a person experiences these types of symptoms, they should talk to their primary care provider to make sure it is not major depression. And get them to see a counselor, if necessary, Bumberry says.
So what can you do to treat seasonal affective disorder at home?
Whether it’s a moment of rest, play or laughter, taking a few deep breaths. Connecting with someone who supports us or gives us hope, Pyle says.
Another option is light therapy.
Just walking outside in daylight can help. The more time you spend outside in the light, the better, Bumberry says.
Or if getting outside isn’t an option, Bumberry says light therapy might help.
Happy Lights, if you search for them on Amazon, you can get these lights and install them on your desk. Every morning, for about 30 minutes, you sit with this light in front of you.
The most important thing is to know what works for you and know yourself well, because what works for me might not work for you, says Pyle.
If you or someone you know might be experiencing the effects of seasonal affective disorder, you can contact a mental health professional or your primary care doctor. You can also call 988 to speak to someone trained to help you.
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