Seasonal depression in full swing but treatable

By Alexandra Latremouille

Seasonal affective disorder is troubling local residents this time of year, but effective treatments are becoming more readily available.

SAD is a type of depression primarily affecting people during fall and winter. According to the Mood Disorders Associations of Ontario, up to 15 per cent of Canadians experience SAD in their lifetime.

Windsor psychotherapist Robert Goulard said the illness is starting to be more widely accepted and understood.

Windsorites, like many other Canadians, are more understanding of seasonal depression because they’ve noticed how prevalent it is in themselves,” said Goulard, owner of Robert Goulard Counselling Service. “I’ve noticed it in my life. My wife has it. It drags you down and is really difficult to ignore.”

Associated with lethargy, moodiness and weight gain, SAD is generally believed to be caused by lack of sunlight and vitamin D, according to local physician Natasha Zajmalowski. She said outdoors activity is one of the best cures for it.

“Getting outside during the day is essential, if even for five minutes,” said Zajmalowski, a naturopathic doctor at Proactive Healthcare. “This is especially true on sunny days, as it helps regulate rhythm.”

According to Goulard, not all adults are inclined to do this, especially if they have other mental illnesses. For some, it can get to the point where they don’t want to leave their house.

For those in this situation, other treatments include light therapy, counselling and medication, as listed on the Canadian Mental Health Association’s website. Between 60 and 80 per cent of people who used these treatments noticed significant health improvements.

Some Windsorites have discovered even minor lifestyle adjustments help counter their SAD symptoms.

“I definitely suffer from it every year,” said Vanessa Goldfinch, a substitute teacher in the Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence. “That’s why I take vitamin D supplements. They seem to help, at least just a bit.”

Goldfinch said family activities also help her stay happy and energetic.

“Everyone takes time for their family at some point,” said Goldfinch. “Maybe just contact each other every once in a while, to cheer each other up a bit.”

Anyone who feels they have seasonal depression is advised to be diagnosed by their health care practitioner. According to WebMD, SAD symptoms can sometimes overlap with other types of depression and hypothyroidism.

Although there are many effective remedies to help counter the illness, the best one has not been agreed upon.