If you, or somebody you know suffers from seasonal depression, you may be wondering how the changing climate can affect these moods. It is estimated that about 20% of americans suffer from seasonal depression, or the more proper term seasonal affective disorder (SAD). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, In order to be diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder, you must have a recurring seasonal pattern of depression. Seasonal affective disorder is different from depressive episodes. With the chart below, you can compare the symptoms:
Source: https://www.clearvuehealth.com/sadsymptoms/
Seasonal affective disorder can come and go with minor-cold bouts of weather. Although for some it can happen during warmer months, it is most likely to happen during the cold ones. There has been a rising trend of major winter storms and almost never-ending cold snaps sweeping across the country in the past years. This takes a toll on the mental health of many americans. In the graph below, you will see the increase of SAD during the cold months:
Source: Google Trends
Scientists say that the relationship between the Arctic sea ice decline, ocean patterns, upper winds, and the changing jet stream could be responsible for the extra cold temperatures we have been experiencing in the midwest and east coast. This instability can cause the Arctic air to flow southward where it comes in contact with warm, moist air. The result includes severe winter weather that will impact some regions.
Where You Live Can Make You More Susceptible
While gender, age, and family history all play a role in your probability of being diagnosed, your geography is the main determinant in your risk. Seasonal affective disorder is more common in people who live far north, or far south of the equator, where seasonal changes are much greater than in places closer to the equator. In the United States, 1% of people living in Florida are affected by sadness, while 9% are affected in Alaska. It is also said that those who have to switch jobs during certain seasons of the year are more at risk for developing seasonal affective disorder.
How Can This Be Treated?
There are many several methods that can be used in treating SAD. Once diagnosed, your doctor may recommend light therapy. This can help by exposing bright light to a person within the first hour of waking up. It mimics outdoor light and can cause a change in brain chemicals linked to mood. Light therapy appears to be the most effective, but if it doesn’t work for you, your doctor may also recommend medications, or psychotherapy.
Conclusion:
Overall, we know that cold weather greatly increases the chances of people being diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder, and the longer cold months due to the current climate change crisis will only increase that number. Luckily there is effective treatment, but not everyone seeks help. To do your part, contribute to a cleaner environment to help people cope with seasonal affective disorder in the far future!
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446935/
https://www.neefusa.org/weather-and-climate/weather/seasonal-affective-disorder
Global Climate Change and Society 