FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Katie Crabtree Thomas - or 800-783-1983
WINTER MARKS “SAD” SEASON
Does the winter wonderland outside give you the winter blues? For many, the winter blues can be
caused by the end of the holiday season or cabin fever, but for millions of Americans, winter
marks the beginning of a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder associated with depression episodes and
related to seasonal variations of light, according to the National Mental Health Association. Most
people with SAD exhibit depression symptoms such as depressed mood, lack of motivation,
difficulty concentrating, loss of energy, fatigue, weight gain, increased appetite, cravings for
carbohydrates and sugary food and they may hole up in their house or apartment, said Craig
Travis, Ph.D., a psychologist with Mount Carmel Family Medicine Residency in Columbus and
board member of the Ohio Psychological Association (OPA).
Although no specific cause has been linked to SAD, the leading theory is that the sleep related
hormone melatonin, which also may cause depression, is produced more in the dark; days are
shorter and darker in the winter, so more melatonin is produced.
Treatments are available for SAD, including bright light therapy and psychological therapy, which
can range anywhere from cognitive (to adjust depressed maladaptive “winter” thinking styles),
behavioral (by focusing on coping mechanisms, diet, exercise and sleep cycle), interpersonal
(addressing socialization and isolation patterns) or a more personalized targeted treatment of
each individual. Psychologists can diagnose or determine if you have SAD and offer treatment
suggestions and strategies for coping during these vulnerable months, Dr. Travis added.
How can you tell the difference between just plain old winter blues and SAD? “Plain old winter
blues are not as disruptive to your daily functioning. Most of us who live in the northern states
know we all move a little slower this time of year, but we still get ourselves up and moving and out
the door,” said Dr. Travis. “People who suffer from SAD have major disruptions in their daily lives,
work and personal relationships as a result.”
To fight the winter blues, Dr. Travis suggested the following:
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First, be aware of your own mood cycle. If winter is a particularly bad time of year for you,
prepare yourself for the colder weather and gray skies.
Stay connected with friends, family and neighbors. It is easy to get isolated and hibernate
during the winter.
To keep from getting cabin fever, plan monthly gatherings with people to socialize.
Keep your house or office well lit. This may increase your energy bill, but it just might
elevate your mood.
Keep your blinds or curtains open during the day and go out in the sunlight when it does
shine; one hour of sunlight is better than two hours of artificial light.
Keep a regular sleep cycle, monitor your nutrition intake (types and quantity) and get
regular exercise, especially cardiovascular.
If symptoms persist or get worse, contact a psychologist or mental health professional.
Located in Columbus, Ohio, The Ohio Psychological Association is a membership organization of
approximately 1,600 Ohio psychologists. Its mission is to advance psychology as a science, as a
profession and as a means of promoting human welfare. For more information or for a
psychologist referral, visit www.ohpsych.org.
EDITOR’S NOTE: To speak further with Dr. Travis about the holiday blues, please contact him at
(614) 234-0379.