Short winter days bring SAD season for some

  • Published
  • By Airman Ryan Conroy
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The change in weather and sunlight has brought something slightly more oppressive than a slight case of the blues for some Airmen this year.

A condition known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, affects mood changes on a seasonal basis and for most, it begins in the winter months and ends in March or April. SAD is a type of depression, not brought on by taxing work weeks or influential life-changing experiences, but rather, a change in the seasons.

According to 1st Lt. Kathleen McNamara, 31st Medical Operations Squadron mental health clinical social worker, these symptoms mirror, in nature, symptoms of conventional depression. The Air Force monitors and diagnoses clinical depression through a method call, 'SIGECAPS.'

SIGECAPS stand for:
· Sleep disturbance-sleeping more or less
· Interest/pleasure reduction-decreased interest in activities that bring you joy
· Guilt feelings or thoughts of worthlessness
· Energy changes/fatigue-feeling lethargic and not wanting to get out of bed
· Concentration/attention impairment
· Appetite/weight changes
· Psychomotor disturbances (agitation or retardation)
· Suicidal thoughts

Those stationed at Aviano may be more prone to these emotionally-crippling symptoms due to environmental factors unique to the region.

"Here at Aviano, we're more prone to SAD because there are longer winters, a high altitude, a lot of cloud coverage and limited sunlight," said McNamara. "And, just like any other animal, we need a certain amount of light, a certain amount of Vitamin-D, to maintain our normal mood or processes."

Although feeling blue for a few days is normal, a continuous feeling of depression throughout certain seasons is not. Those who identify with the 'SIGECAPS' symptoms are highly encouraged to seek help, but are warned not to self-diagnose.

"Leave it to a professional," states McNamara. "You know yourself best, so if you're feeling different, come to us. Don't think to yourself, 'hey it's just SAD, it'll pass.' Let us get you some help; we don't want you to suffer with this."

Avenues for relief, from symptoms found through self-awareness, are readily available throughout the base. These avenues for support include talking to the base primary care manager, who might be able to prescribe medications or supplements. SAD comprises mostly of a lack of hormones or Vitamin-D; therefore PCMs may issue either an antidepressant, suggest over-the-counter medication or refer individuals to mental health.

"Get out of your comfort zone and do things you wouldn't normally do," says McNamara. "Get outside and enjoy the community as much as possible this winter season. Soak in the sunlight."