By Norman E. Rosenthal, M.D.

Does the person in your care feel blue when the dark days of winter approach?  Do you see your loved one slowing down or having difficulty waking up in the morning?  Do you see pounds beginning to creep up even though you’re helping your loved one pay attention to his or her diet?  If so, you may be caring for a SAD person—one of millions of people worldwide who are suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This condition is now widely accepted by the medical community and the public. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder is Real

Seasonal affective disorder is a syndrome characterized by recurrent depressions that occur annually at the same time each year—it could be any season, but winter is the most researched and common season.  SAD has been shown to be related to seasonal variations of light. During the winter, the number of hours of natural sun exposure is fewer than in other months, which is one reason that more people with SAD seem to be affected during winter months.

Symptoms of SAD

Those with SAD may notice changes in feelings of well-being, may suffer from a lack of energy, and may experience fluctuations in behaviors such as sleep, eating patterns, and mood. Sometimes called the winter blues or February “blahs”, some sufferers find these changes a nuisance, but not worthy of a doctor visit.  At the other end of the spectrum are those with changes so powerful they produce significant life problems—these people are seasonal depression sufferers and most likely will benefit from SAD therapy.

Winter Blues or SAD?

One of the key differences between SAD and the winter blues is the lack of productivity. People with SAD have significant productivity decreases, which can affect their work and ability to function on a personal level to a significant degree. They have a marked loss of interest or pleasure, they withdraw from family and friends, and they can suffer from changes in their energy, sleep patterns, and weight. They may not be able to work at all. 

A person with the winter blues may feel less creative, slightly less productive, and less enthusiastic about life or socializing. They may experience a slight energy decrease or weight gain, but their work and personal functioning is generally only affected to a mild degree.

What to Do?

If you suspect a loved one has SAD, speak with their healthcare professional about their behavior and any symptoms.

For people with mild winter blues, a doctor or healthcare professional may recommend enhancing environmental light levels, either with special fixtures or by increasing lighting in the home.  Doing this may reduce symptoms. For more serious cases of SAD, professional light therapy is recommended. Your healthcare professional can provide more detailed information. 

Guide for Caregivers of SAD Sufferers

• Understand the problem.  Once you recognize the mood and energy problems of SAD, you will be able to handle them better.  Be sure to view the following resources, DRADA, Depression and Related Affective Disorders Association, www.drada.org, or www.normanrosenthal.com.
• Just be there. Don’t feel like you have to necessarily do anything specific to help the person.  Even though your loved one may appear withdrawn, he or she will often appreciate just having company.
• Encourage the seasonal person.  Remind them this is a passing phase, that he/she has not always felt this way and can and will feel better again. Remind them that seasons change, and so can they.
• Help with simple things.  Sometimes the most mundane tasks can feel like a huge chore to a depressed person.  Offer to do those little things.
• Understand the other side of SAD.  For a SAD person, coming out of the season can be difficult. They may be argumentative, impulsive, or want to do many things at once (all those things they may have put off when affected by the condition).  Be patient and tactful.
• Don’t take the behavior personally.  Just accept someone who is in a very different place.  Don’t assume that it is your responsibility for making the seasonal person feel fine. Remember that you can’t control the way a person feels or what they do. You can give someone the tools to help themselves, but it is up to them to use them.