Is It Cabin Fever or Something More Serious?
By Kathi Whitten, LCSW
There is much to say about winter that is positive-the holidays tend to bring friends and
family together, and this is often followed
by a bit of time when one can spend a little time
reading a good book, enjoying quiet evenings sitting before a fire, or just relaxing a little. Still, at this time of year, just about everybody is experiencing a little cabin fever, starting to think about how nice it will be to see leaves on the trees again, some flowers blooming, and more pleasant weather.
But there are people who experience more than just a little restlessness with the
shortened days and lack of outdoor exercise. For some, there comes a deep sense of
depression—seemingly without reason, an increased need to sleep, appetite
changes and a great and perplexing loss of energy. There may be other symptoms
present, as well, such as a sense of hopelessness, trouble with concentration and
isolation. These people could be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder
(S.A.D.), a form of depression that typically lifts when winter moves into spring.
(There is, more rarely, a reverse form of this, which tends to involve anxiety, insomnia,
agitation and irritability that can occur in other seasons.)
There are different forms of depression, and while all have some symptoms in
common, there are also differences. There are likewise differences in treatment approaches.
If you have noticed a pattern of winter changes that are more intense and
problematic than the sort of stress one might expect after several months of winter,
it would be wise to consult a professional to decide if you are experiencing Seasonal
Affective Disorder.
It helps to be familiar with your own pattern, noticing whether this takes place
each year at about the same time or not, and tends to disappear as the weather gets
warmer and daylight increases. There are various things that can be done to help
with S.A.D., but because there are several forms that depression can take, it will
help to consult with someone familiar with being able to make the correct diagnosis
(this could be your primary care physician, a psychiatrist or a psychotherapist).
S.A.D. is thought to be related to light. Therefore, a particular sort of “lightbox”
might be prescribed (a broad spectrum lamp without harmful UV rays). Alternately,
treatment might be cognitive therapy or medication. Outdoor exercise (like skiing)
can also be helpful. However, it is important to check with someone who is experienced
in being able to differentiate the several kinds of depression, as treatment
methods differ and it is not always the case that depression in winter is S.A.D.
S.A.D. is not something “just in your mind,” nor is it just a reaction to holiday
stress. It is a real—and occasionally very serious—condition that affects many people,
mostly during the winter months, and brings great distress to those who suffer
from it, but help is available. If you suspect you suffer from S.A.D. (or any other
form of depression) consider making an appointment to discuss your options.
About Kathi Whitten, LCSW
Kathi Whitten, LCSW is a psychotherapist with 25 years of experience. Her approach includes thinking from psychodynamic, cognitive,
family/systems, and the mindfulness and addictions treatment fields. She works with individuals, couples, families and groups. After identifying your goals, you'll work together in therapy to improve your personal sense of well-being and relationships with others. You can make an appointment at her Herndon office by phoning 703-742-6043.