(KNSI) – The change of seasons can cause a type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder. SAD, as it’s known, begins and ends at about the same times every year, usually in November and lasts until spring. Central Minnesota Mental Health Center’s Director of Outpatient Mental Health, Dr. Steven Loos, discussed what causes the mental illness and where it’s most common.
“It is more prominent in northern states or northern parts of the world because of decreased sunlight, and so, we believe that has an impact on our neurotransmitters in leads to decrease mood.”
He says the holiday season can also make SAD worse.
“Unfortunately, not everybody has that social support network where they can gather. And if they’re by themselves in feeling like everybody else in the world is having this perfect Hallmark gathering, that can really bring out loneliness and depression.”
He says the winter, combined with the holidays and a global pandemic, adds another element that can make people feel uneasy.
“There can be lots of apprehension about is it safe to gather? Should I gather? And if you don’t choose to gather for whatever reason, that can spark some additional sadness as well. So certainly, the holiday season can exacerbate depression or seasonal affective disorder.”
He says besides waiting for spring, there are some treatment options to help with SAD. Dr. Loos recommends getting daily exercise, getting active, talking with a psychologist about medication, or talking with your doctor about light therapy.
For more on SAD or getting help with mental illness, click here.
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