By Tina O’Conner

Information about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and how it affects our workplaces and careers is becoming more understood. SAD is described as a mild form of depression that generally lasts from October through March. Symptoms include fatigue, hopelessness, mood changes, and social withdrawal.

Think about it…we wake up in the dark and come home in the dark. This change can become quite a challenge. An obstacle that is manageable.

Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety still carry a stigma. It does not help that when our country experiences tragedy such as what occurred in Oregon this past week that a mental health label gets attached to it. However, the more we talk about how SAD affects productivity, motivation, and that these mental health issues are manageable; the more we can breathe.

One of the ways SAD affects productivity is coming into work late. As the days get shorter (less sunshine) chemical changes occur in the brain. The decrease in serotonin creates fatigue, lethargy, and irritability. All of these symptoms influence our willingness to get out of bed in the morning.

Some of the ways you can manage SAD are listed below. One is to find a project. Take a cooking class, organize the junk drawer, read. Make sure you get at least 10 minutes of sunshine a day. I accomplish this by parking at the end of the parking lot (even when it’s freezing cold outside!!!) or walking my dog, Duke.

Some health insurance plans cover the purchase of a light therapy box. These boxes/lamps can be purchased online. With your doctor’s supervision, consider increasing your intake of vitamin D. Develop and maintain a healthy sleep routine. Make sure you are waking up and going to sleep at the same time each day.

One of the most challenging things to do to manage SAD is to talk to your employer. Be open that this is an issue. You may be able to change your work hours to increase exposure to sunlight in the morning. Your workplace may also have an EAP program that will help.

Remember, SAD only lasts a few months out of the year. Also, working on some of the above will get you through.

_________

Tina L. O’Connor, MS, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has a private counseling practice in Parkesburg. Tina attended college in Phoenixville and West Chester. Tina and her husband Doug have three amazing adult stepchildren and two beautiful grandchildren. Tina can be reached at Experience Positive Therapy via telephone at (610) 857-8089 or email at exppostherapy1@verizon.net.

Top photo credit: via photopin (license)