Maryann Breukelman knows what it’s like to have SAD days. For years, she has suffered from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a common but often misdiagnosed form of depression.
Breukelman, 27, diagnosed herself as having SAD about three years ago, a diagnosis that was confirmed by a doctor.
“I was researching depression, and came across information about SAD,” she says, adding that the internet, medical pamphlets, books from the library and various magazine articles are all good sources of information.
“I found that my bouts with depression each fall and winter were triggered by a lack of sunlight. I’ve always loved spring. When I realized I had SAD, I understood that part of my love for spring stemmed from the increased sunlight and warmth that would improve my moods drastically. I’d be more energetic and happier.”
According to the Ontario branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, SAD is triggered by the onset of fall and winter. First defined in 1984, it is also called “seasonal depression,” “winter depression” or “major depression with a seasonal pattern.” Each of these terms refers to a subtype of this major depressive disorder.
Seasonal swings
SAD is characterized by recurrent major depressive episodes that start around September and can continue until April. For most sufferers, there are more seasonal than non-seasonal bouts of depression. Victims of SAD have classic symptoms of depression, including low mood, reduced interest in activities and hobbies they normally enjoy, decreased concentration, low energy and fatigue. In addition, however, they also tend to have a specific cluster of symptoms comprised of:
• Increased sleep
(70-90 per cent of people with SAD);
• Increased appetite
(70-80 per cent of people with SAD);
• Unacceptable weight gain
(70-80 per cent of people with SAD);
• Carbohydrate/sweets craving
(80-90 per cent of people with SAD).
Studies on SAD show that more than 60 per cent of sufferers have long-term, reoccurring bouts, while approximately 20 per cent can have complete remission within several years of being first diagnosed. In Canada, between two and three per cent of the population suffer from SAD.
A person’s risk of having SAD increases until they reach their 50s. After age 54, rates decline dramatically and are almost non-existent among those over 65. Women are more likely to suffer from SAD than men, with an average ratio of approximately 1.8 to one. However, some studies place the female to male ratio much higher, as much as four to one.
SAD was first diagnosed more than 150 years ago, but wasn’t officially named until the early 1980s. It is thought to be triggered by seasonal variations in light that affects the brain’s “biological internal clock,” which regulates the body’s daily rhythms.
“I found this was true in my case,” Breukelman says. “Very slowly and subtly, my mood would change throughout the winter. I never realized how low my spirits had sunk until spring came and my mood would improve again.”
Daylight differences
The body’s biological clock responds to seasonal changes due to the differences in daylight hours. With the advent of electricity, societies are no longer tied to the sun for our light source. But the body may still desire more sleep during the shortened seasons. This puts individuals out of step with their daily schedules, which no longer change with the seasons. Other research shows that neurotransmitters—chemical messengers in the brain that help regulate sleep, mood, and appetite—may be disturbed during bouts with SAD.
Sadly, many Christians see emotional health issues such as SAD as taboo, because they don’t line up with Scriptures about believers being filled with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-22).
Breukelman states that, as with any physical illness, God helps us through natural and supernatural ways. She’s an advocate of prayer and counselling. But she also uses practical means when dealing with SAD. She uses phototherapy or bright light therapy, and has purchased a specially constructed lamp containing a bank of white fluorescent bulbs housed in a metal reflector and a covered with a plastic shield screen. Although research findings have not confirmed a definite antidepressant link to this therapy, thousands of people argue otherwise.
“Every morning I have a 20 to 30 minute [phototherapy] session at breakfast time,” says Breukelman. The lamp provides her with the equivalent lighting of early spring day at noon, which adjusts the brain’s melatonin levels, a sleep-related hormone secreted by the gland that has been linked to SAD.
Mental health professionals have linked melatonin—which is produced at increased levels in the dark—to symptoms of depression. When the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases. Use of a phototherapy lamp has been shown to suppress the brain’s secretion of melatonin.
“My light lamp works wonders,” adds Breukelman. “I no longer crave sunlight like before; I have more energy and my mood is better throughout the winter.” She also advocates eating well (lots of fruits and vegetables), exercising regularly, and avoiding sugar and alcohol. However, these are not cure-alls; symptoms still persist for her in mild forms throughout the winter months.
Help for the suffering
Although SAD is an illness common even among Christians, Breukelman encourages anyone suffering to get help. SAD isn’t something one has to be ashamed of and suffer through alone. Talk to a doctor or counsellor. Find a supportive friend or a SAD support group in your area or online. Seriously consider phototherapy, as it works for many people.
Breukelman also advises sufferers to force themselves to go out and have fun. “Often when you’re out and having a good time, you are glad that you went afterward. It’s good to distract yourself from the sadness or numbness.”
As with all forms of depression, SAD is an illness and requires treatment to manage and overcome. During times of depression, Christians often doubt their faith, and feel guilty for some vague sin. During these times, Breukelman advises people to learn about the illness and understand that those feelings are common symptoms of depression.
“Christians should continue to cling to God and find their strength in Him, while looking forward to the day their SAD will go away again because their depression will not last forever,” she says.
“That may be the key—to remember the depression will not last forever.”
