Tulsa –
As daylight hours grow shorter during the winter months, many people begin to experience symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD); more commonly known as seasonal depression. Doctors estimate that SAD affects about 6% of the U.S. population each year.
What Is Seasonal Depression?
Dr. Kyle Schauf, a family medicine provider at Utica Park Clinic in Catoosa, explains that seasonal depression typically appears as the days become darker earlier in the evening. Its symptoms often mirror those of regular depression.
“People may notice more feelings of being down or depressed, feelings of sadness, less energy or motivation,” said Dr. Schauf.
Simple Ways to Feel Better
For many individuals, symptoms of SAD gradually fade as daylight increases in the spring. Still, Dr. Schauf recommends a few simple strategies to help maintain balance and improve mood during the darker months.
“One of the most effective treatments is light box therapy,” he said. “You can buy one online for about twenty dollars. A 10,000-lumen light box, used for two or three hours in the early morning, can significantly reduce symptoms.”
Doctors also encourage spending time outdoors during daylight hours, getting regular exercise, eating well-balanced meals, and seeking medical advice if symptoms worsen. In some cases, short-term medication may also help.