MONROE - Overcast weather seen throughout the area, like constant rain or days of snow and chilling winds, can greatly affect those more likely to have Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression that fluctuates between winter and summer months.
Psychologist Anna Loney has been working in the Behavioral Health Department of Monroe Clinic for nearly three years, and in the field for four years previously. She said "a good chunk of people" who seek treatment through the department "have mood disturbances" but did not know how many are specifically affected by SAD.
SAD is a cyclical form of depression which carries all of the symptoms of major depression. For most, it is triggered by a lack of light. Loney said 10 to 20 percent of individuals may be affected with mild symptoms, while 1 to 2 percent of people experience full side effects from the lack of light.
"The worst symptoms tend to be the impact of lack of light," Loney said.
And it seems like this winter has been particularly lacking in sunlight: Past weather reports by the National Weather Service highlight a majority of cloudy days in Monroe since December. Even when temperatures exceeded average highs, the skies remained gray.
Sue Shanks of Affinity Counseling LLC in Monroe, a licensed mental health therapist for six years, noted the current season as a significant factor.
"It is the very worst time because we have less daylight," Shanks said.
Although Shanks noted there is no specific factor experts can point to as a cause for SAD, she and Loney both said it is more common for individuals at larger distances from the equator, who therefore experience less sunlight in winter months. Loney said symptoms become apparent in winter months, when daylight savings time is enacted. On the positive side, once the season has passed, issues are alleviated.
"Without treatment, for those who have true SAD, when the light returns, the symptoms go away," Loney said.
A smaller percentage of people also suffer from seasonal depression in the summer, triggered by other factors of that season.
Symptoms such as low energy and distorted sleep patterns, as well as overeating an abundance of unhealthy foods and social withdrawal are common. Loney advised people who may find themselves affected by the short days and lack of sunlight to ensure they keep a steady schedule, and that "deficits in serotonin," which is a chemical believed to be responsible for balancing a person's mood, "lead to depression."
Going to bed at the same time each night and rising similarly can help combat the onset of depression when a lack of light affects brain chemistry, Loney said. Additionally, maintaining regular exercise provides proper serotonin and endorphins to stabilize a person's mood. Eating healthy foods rather than heavy meals also helps.
"Try to stay as regular as possible, with scheduled sleeping, scheduled exercise," Loney said. "Getting outside during the day, when there is light, is really helpful. Staying somewhat social is also important."
Loney also said seasonal depression is easily treatable, with either medications, vitamins, or light therapy. Exposure to synthetic lighting has been known to be 80 percent effective, she said.
And just because someone feels slightly emboldened in mood by a day or two of sunshine, they can still be suffering from depression. Loney said a day or two of stabilized moods does not negate a period of two weeks or more of depressive moods. Stigma regarding the word "depression" should not prevent someone dealing with symptoms from discussing the possibility with their doctor.
Both therapists recommended seeing a a doctor for a proper evaluation.
"Primary care providers can be really helpful in providing advice," Loney said.
Psychologist Anna Loney has been working in the Behavioral Health Department of Monroe Clinic for nearly three years, and in the field for four years previously. She said "a good chunk of people" who seek treatment through the department "have mood disturbances" but did not know how many are specifically affected by SAD.
SAD is a cyclical form of depression which carries all of the symptoms of major depression. For most, it is triggered by a lack of light. Loney said 10 to 20 percent of individuals may be affected with mild symptoms, while 1 to 2 percent of people experience full side effects from the lack of light.
"The worst symptoms tend to be the impact of lack of light," Loney said.
And it seems like this winter has been particularly lacking in sunlight: Past weather reports by the National Weather Service highlight a majority of cloudy days in Monroe since December. Even when temperatures exceeded average highs, the skies remained gray.
Sue Shanks of Affinity Counseling LLC in Monroe, a licensed mental health therapist for six years, noted the current season as a significant factor.
"It is the very worst time because we have less daylight," Shanks said.
Although Shanks noted there is no specific factor experts can point to as a cause for SAD, she and Loney both said it is more common for individuals at larger distances from the equator, who therefore experience less sunlight in winter months. Loney said symptoms become apparent in winter months, when daylight savings time is enacted. On the positive side, once the season has passed, issues are alleviated.
"Without treatment, for those who have true SAD, when the light returns, the symptoms go away," Loney said.
A smaller percentage of people also suffer from seasonal depression in the summer, triggered by other factors of that season.
Symptoms such as low energy and distorted sleep patterns, as well as overeating an abundance of unhealthy foods and social withdrawal are common. Loney advised people who may find themselves affected by the short days and lack of sunlight to ensure they keep a steady schedule, and that "deficits in serotonin," which is a chemical believed to be responsible for balancing a person's mood, "lead to depression."
Going to bed at the same time each night and rising similarly can help combat the onset of depression when a lack of light affects brain chemistry, Loney said. Additionally, maintaining regular exercise provides proper serotonin and endorphins to stabilize a person's mood. Eating healthy foods rather than heavy meals also helps.
"Try to stay as regular as possible, with scheduled sleeping, scheduled exercise," Loney said. "Getting outside during the day, when there is light, is really helpful. Staying somewhat social is also important."
Loney also said seasonal depression is easily treatable, with either medications, vitamins, or light therapy. Exposure to synthetic lighting has been known to be 80 percent effective, she said.
And just because someone feels slightly emboldened in mood by a day or two of sunshine, they can still be suffering from depression. Loney said a day or two of stabilized moods does not negate a period of two weeks or more of depressive moods. Stigma regarding the word "depression" should not prevent someone dealing with symptoms from discussing the possibility with their doctor.
Both therapists recommended seeing a a doctor for a proper evaluation.
"Primary care providers can be really helpful in providing advice," Loney said.