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SAD

SAD and the holidays

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD is a form of depression related to the season and duration of sunlight. For people with SAD, their bodies have a difficult time adjusting to the shortage of sunlight in the winter months. They experience the symptoms of depression (see column to the right) during the winter, and experience relief as the days grow longer in the spring.
Treatments may include the use of bright, fluorescent light, which has been shown to reverse the depressive symptoms associated with SAD. A recent study showed that 80% of 112 patients improved significantly with light therapy.

Symptoms of depression include:

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
  • Sleeping too much or too little, middle-of-the night or early morning waking
  • Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex
  • Irritability or restlessness
  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating, remembering or making decisions
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Feeling inappropriate guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness
If you are experiencing these symptoms over a period of several weeks, you may be depressed. Talking with a mental health professional or taking a mental health screening test can help you understand how well you are coping with recent events. Seek help. The holidays are a busy time full of joy, laughter and family. Although it is usually an exciting and fun time of the year, the holidays can be difficult for those grieving after the loss of a loved one.

Holiday Stress and Grief

The holidays can be a particularly difficult time for those who are grieving, because the season is associated with family and traditions. After a loved one has died, our family is forever changed. Traditions that once brought feelings of warmth and security, may now bring feelings of emptiness and sadness. Remembering specific activities, whether your son decorated the Christmas tree or your mom made her special cookies, can be especially painful.
Give yourself permission to grief and remember that each person grieves differently. Realize that life is different now, and participating in family or religious traditions may be difficult. You may want to alter your plans this year, or you may find yourself clinging to familiar activities.