Impact of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder, appropriately referred to as SAD, is a type of depressive disorder that may present itself during the winter season. SAD impacts about 5% of the U.S. population, and up to 10% of those regions further from the equator. Interestingly, about 80% of those who suffer from SAD are women.

Much more pronounced than the typical winter blahs, SAD could have a powerful impact on the afflicted individual’s ability to function in daily life, including at work. Women may find that they do not function optimally on the job due to lack of quality sleep, one of the symptoms of the depressive disorder
. Low energy, irritability, and difficulty concentrating also contribute to less than stellar job performance due to SAD.

But there are coping methods to consider if you are struggling with seasonal depression. These include:

Light therapy. Phototherapy, or light therapy is provided with a therapeutic light therapy box that helps suppress the brain’s secretion of melatonin

Vitamin D supplementation. Daily therapeutic supplements of vitamin D in the 400-800 IU range

Outdoor exercise. Increasing exposure to sunlight through daily walks, hikes, or runs
Antidepressant drug therapy. Antidepressants may be in order if the above interventions are not successful

While work can become a real challenge when one is afflicted with SAD, it is possible to continue to excel all winter long by managing SAD using these interventions.