Don’t be sad because of SAD

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Heavy snow storms, dangerous roads and slippery ice patches are easy-to-spot hazards that come with a North Dakota winter.

But officials warn that another danger isn't quite as easy to identify: Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly referred to as SAD.

SAD is a type of depression caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that plays a key role one's motivation, emotions, appetite, and thirst. Some major symptoms include anxiety, mood changes, sleep problems, lethargy, social problems, and overeating.

The disorder usually occurs during the fall and winter months, according to Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Rivera, 319th Medical Operations Squadron NCO in charge of the Mental Health clinic.

When people are exposed to longer winters and darker days, their brains produce more melatonin than usual, she explained.

Rivera said that excess melatonin - a natural hormone that regulates the daily sleep cycle - "drags people down and reduces motivation," which can lead to depression.

No one is immune to SAD, Rivera said, and those who are more susceptible to other forms of depression or who already have depression are more likely to be affected.

Rivera said statistic show that younger people and women are at a higher risk for SAD, and that those living in higher altitude locations are also more likely to be affected.

She encouraged those who are feeling depressed to sit down and evaluate their feelings to help determine if can they be associated with SAD.

"If people are able to realize and understand that their depression only comes around the winter months, chances are it's not regular depression but rather Seasonal Affective Disorder," Rivera said.

Here's the good news - SAD is easily treatable without seeing a specialist.

Suggested treatment includes paying closer attention to mood and energy levels, planning regular activities and exercise throughout fall and winter months, taking advantage of as much daylight as possible, arranging homes to receive as much sunlight as possible, and establishing a positive attitude going into wintertime.

Light therapy has also been introduced to treat this depression; for more information click here.

"The biggest thing anyone can do to prevent this depression is to get out there and participate in life," said Rivera, adding that medication is an option but is considered a last resort. "Prevention and treatment is important so people can feel good, healthy, and motivated to take care of themselves."

Anyone experiencing any sort of depression symptoms they are having trouble to maintain is encouraged to contact the Mental Health clinic at 747-4460.