Pandemic depression is about to collide with seasonal depression. Make a plan, experts say.
Posted on Oct 27 2020
Washington Post
Seasonal depression, known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD is a type of depression that occurs when it gets colder, there’s less light and it’s more difficult to get outside. Mental health experts worry that, because the pandemic has already triggered depressive symptoms in many Americans, more people will experience seasonal depressive symptoms this winter. Although only a small percentage of people typically report seasonal depression (most estimates put it at 6% of the U.S. population for severe symptoms and 14% for mild symptoms), Wright says she wouldn’t be surprised if there’s another increase in depressive symptoms among the population in general as the cold weather compounds social isolation. Get a light box or SAD lamp: These are lamps specifically created to mimic outdoor light. Ken Duckworth, CMO of NAMI, says people with SAD should use one for a couple of hours in the morning during the winter.