As the clocks fall back this weekend, it’s important to remain vigilant for an unwanted presence to rear its ugly head: seasonal affective disorder. Known among medical professionals as “major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern,” this annual to bi-annual risk of depression can creep into everyday life during the spring but is most common in the late fall and early winter season.
Dr. Dave Miers, behavioral specialist at of Bryan Medical, spoke to KLIN News about the disorder’s causes, how to get diagnosed and treated for it, and what to do if you think you know someone going through it. “It’s often caused in changes in our circadian rhythm,” says Dr. Miers “And what that means is that’s your internal clock that runs our sleep, our mood, and our appetite. So, whenever there’s a shift in the season, our bodies then struggle to adjust to that new light in the new timeframes.”
Dr. Miers adds that while triggered at regular intervals, seasonal affective disorder is like most other kinds of depression.
“You see [people] withdrawing, you see lack of motivation, you feel like you’re struggling to concentrate, changes in your sleep and eating habits. Those are all kind of the normal symptoms that you see when it comes to major depressive disorder in a seasonal pattern,” says Dr. Miers. The arrival of Thanksgiving and Christmas, which conjure images of family and joy, can also exacerbate feelings of depression in those already vulnerable to the condition.
Seasonal affective disorder requires a screening for formal diagnosis, which Bryan Medical offers for free in confidence. Once diagnosed, treatment may follow an expected course for depression, but there are some things specific to the seasonal variant. Patients may undergo light therapy, for instance. But even working by a window with the curtain open, getting added Vitamin D, or going on vacation somewhere sunny in January can help.
If you are concerned about a friend or family member, Dr. Miers encourages you ask questions.
“Say, ‘I’ve noticed these changes in your behavior. Let’s talk about this.’ Ask them how they’re feeling. If you’re concerned that they’re suicidal, just ask the question, ‘Have you had thoughts of wanting to hurt yourself? Have you had thoughts of wanting to end your life?’ And it can be hard to ask those questions, but those are important questions to ask.”
Although it may be difficult to ask such questions, Dr. Miers says asking won’t make the situation worse and only stands to improve it.
“That individual wants you to know how they’re feeling,” says Dr. Miers.
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm, dial 988 to reach the National Suicide Hotline.