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You are reading the Original Version (CLB5+) Read Simple Version (CLB3-4) Is winter bringing you down? You’re not alone. Studies show that about 15% of Canadians get the winter blues while 2-3 % experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Symptoms start in the fall, persisting through the winter months and lasting until March. The winter blues is a mild form of SAD. Those with the blues feel very moody and tired, often without reason. They may also sleep too much and have low energy. This is caused by the lack of exposure to sunlight which affects hormonal levels in the body. A gland in the brain produces melatonin during the night and in periods of reduced light (as in winter) and causes us to feel drowsy. Meanwhile, decreased levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that regulates mood and behavior, also contributes to moodiness. Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD, on the other hand is a recurring type of depression. SAD tends to occur more in adults and affects more women than men. People with SAD feel the winter blues but to a greater degree. A key difference is that SAD sufferers are not able to work or function in their day-to-day lives. While it is common for the disorder to affect people in winter, there is a form of SAD that occurs in summer and starts in spring. This why aside from lack of sunlight, doctors will also take into account a person’s genetic predisposition to depression when diagnosing for SAD. It has been found that 13-17% of people who develop SAD have an immediate family member with this disorder. If you experience any or all of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. There are simple solutions that will help you start feeling better. How do you know that it’s SAD and not just the winter blues? Any or all of these symptoms means you should talk to an expert immediately. Your family doctor should be able to refer you to a psychiatrist or other mental health professionals. They will be able to prescribe the proper treatment for you. This may involve light therapy, counselling, medication or a combination of these. Call your doctor or check CMHA Mental Health Resources for more information. Read Physical activity for Newcomers to know who to ask about great activities in your community. The Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7. Call 1-855-242-3310 for counselling available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut. Online chat is also available in English and French at Hopeforwellness.ca. Please login to tell us what you think.Skip to:
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Article updated October 27, 2020.
Sources: Don’t be SAD, Laurie McPherson, Winnipeg Health Region; Combating the winter blues (presentation slides), Blaine Roberts, English Online; More than just the winter blues? Rush.edu; Seasonal Affective Disorder, Canada.com; Seasonal Affective Disorder, Canadian Mental Health Association; and What are endorphins? Tom Scheve, How stuff works. Retrieved December 10, 2018.Community Resources
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