Differentiating Seasonal Affective Disorder from Winter Depression: Keys to identify and address
In Canada, winter not only brings shorter days and less sun but also a mental challenge for many citizens: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Although often confused with winter depression, SAD is a more serious form of seasonal depression. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, between 2 and 3% of Canadians will experience SAD at some point in their lives, with adults under the age of 50 being most at risk.
What are the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
SAD has specific symptoms, such as feeling depressed for most of the day, changes in appetite and weight, problems sleeping, and loss of interest in everyday activities. In addition, geography plays a crucial role, since the further north or south of the equator a person is the greater the risk of developing this disorder.
How is Seasonal Affective Disorder diagnosed?
Diagnosing SAD means that a psychologist in Canada must evaluate the recurrence of specific symptoms during specific seasons, at least for two consecutive years. Spring and summer can trigger different episodes compared to fall and winter.
Some treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests several strategies for coping with SAD, from spending time outdoors to light therapy, a form of treatment that exposes people to bright light to counteract the lack of natural light during the winter months. Additionally, psychotherapy and antidepressants can be useful tools in managing the disorder.
Although some people confuse the winter blues with SAD, the latter is more serious and significantly affects a person’s daily life. The winter blues, on the other hand, tend to be milder and go away on their own in a short period.
SAD is a significant challenge in Canada, but with proper guidance from psychologists in Canada and effective treatment approaches, many individuals can overcome this obstacle and regain their joy in life, even in the darkest winter months.
Among the specialists’ recommendations are: vacations in another type of climate, consider spending a long time in another more temperate destination, if possible move to another destination in the winter season, and remember that the best investment you can make is to stay healthy and recharge energy.
Now, if your mental health worsens, then consider purchasing a permanent or semi-permanent property in a destination with a better climate, spending longer periods, and recovering your health.