If you’re feeling a bit blue, there could be more to it than just a bad day.
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression affecting 15 percent of Canadians.
Symptoms surface in the fall and continue through the winter months, leaving patients with little energy and feeling low.
According to Dr. Dilruba Raman, psychiatrist with the Nova Scotia Health Authority, treatment including light therapy, medication and counselling can make a real difference over time.
“Once patients receive treatment over a year or two and have a better understand of the illness, it can get better in a year or two,” explained Raman.
Raman also recommended spending more time outdoors during the day and arrange the spaces you spend time in to maximize sunlight exposure.
“Even something as simple as keeping the curtains open during the day can make a difference,” said Raman.
