Fighting SAD

Are all the gray days bringing you down? You’re not
alone
By Sarah Lewers, Staff Writer
There’s no doubt a string of sunless days can be
disheartening.
Here in Sonoma County, the effects of an unusually long rainy
season are apparent wherever one turns. Little League games have
been delayed, trees topple unprovoked, roads flood, potholes bloom,
umbrellas abound and lawns grow unchecked by mower blades.
But for some, the dreary weather is more than a dismal
disappointment impeding normal activities. Gray days may actually
cause the blues.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), can cause depression-like
symptoms including fatigue, lack of interest in normal activities,
social withdrawal, weight gain and cravings for carbohydrates,
according to information from the American Psychiatric Association
(APA). SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain
and is related to reduced exposure to light during the darker
winter months, the APA website says.
Santa Rosa psychologist Dr. Mondell Brazell said SAD is caused
by a reduction of several hormones, among them seratonin, produced
by the body. The body produces more of these hormones when a person
is exposed to more sunlight, and less when light exposure dwindles,
he said. The result is a seasonal depression that occurs during
winter months and disappears during spring and summer.
SAD affects between 10 and 20 percent of the population, the APA
says, and female sufferers outnumber males afflicted by a
four-to-one margin. Symptoms have also been noted among those
working long hours in buildings with few windows.
Sonoma County has certainly not seen its share of sun since the
new year began.
Brent Alan, weatherman for KFTY TV-50 in Santa Rosa, said it’s
unusual to have cooler weather and rains persisting this late into
the year. In fact, Sonoma County set a new record for the number of
days with rain during the month of March.
&#8220In the month of March we had 25 rainy days, and that
beat the old record of 24, set back in 1983,” he said.
&#8220By now, we’d usually be beginning a transition from
out of winter weather from spring to summer,” Alan said.
&#8220And right now we are still locked into winter weather.”
He said the increased rains are the product of a trough of low
pressure causing storms to head right for the state. Until the
entire pattern shifts, he said, the trough will not move off the
west coast and head east.
So the rains will continue — but for how long?
&#8220That’s the magic question,” Alan said, laughing.
&#8220It’s going to be at least another week before we begin to
see another possible prolonged break in the rain.”
That’s not good news for people dealing with the effects of
SAD.
Brazell said the longer rainy season &#8220definitely”
contributes to SAD, and symptoms generally worsen the longer people
go without adequate light exposure.
But relief for SAD suffers may be on the horizon, even if clear
weather is not.
Brazell successfully treated SAD suffers in Alaska by installing
broad-spectrum lights in workspaces, helping the body to function
more normally and erasing the symptoms of depression.
Elena Alioto of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
center in Santa Rosa confirmed that people with a tendency to
experience SAD are advised to expose themselves to full-spectrum
lights.
&#8220There is information out there about the benefits of
full-spectrum lighting and that would be an immediate solution,”
Alioto said. &#8220That would definitely help someone who was
suffering with SAD, and (it’s) a solution that is not costly and
has been proven effective.”
Brazell also recommends ensuring you are absorbing adequate
nutrients and exposing yourself to to positive people.
&#8220Exercise is a great thing for SAD too, by the way,” he
said. Brazell also encourages people to do their own research and
find out what works for them.
NAMI offers a support group, Tea Empathy, every Thursday
afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. at their office located at 4000
Montgomery Drive in Santa Rosa, for people suffering from brain
disorders and their families. For more information on the group and
other services offered by NAMI call (707) 527-6655.
APA tips for managing SAD include rearranging home and office
spaces to enhance exposure to sunlight, long walks outdoors,
exercise and stress management techniques. Light therapy, also
known as phototherapy, psychotherapy sessions and prescription
antidepressants have also been shown to be effective in treating
SAD symptoms, the APA says. APA cautions that those experiencing
severe depressive symptoms should consult a physician regarding
treatment options and advises that anyone having suicidal thoughts
seek help immediately from the nearest emergency room.
The good news is a break in the weather will signal a break in
the blues for SAD sufferers. All sources agree SAD symptoms recede
when sunny weather returns.
And the sun will return.