2008 Woodie Awards
Holiday blues pose problem for some
Amount of sunlight exposure can trigger disorder.
By Martin Herrera
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Back Page
Originally published: 11/20/08 at 9:58 AM CSTLast update: 12/16/08 at 8:51 PM CST
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As sure as the sun rising from the east, retailers will kick advertising campaigns into high gear - the few that haven't started - to entice consumers into spending their hard-earned dollars.
Consumers will wake early the day after Thanksgiving to take advantage of holiday bargains, eat fast food and maybe catch the latest movie.
Gifts will be bought, decorations put up and plans will be made. Hardly a free moment left for anybody.
College students also will have the weight of finals added to their burden.
On top of everything, the amount of daylight to accomplish everything slowly dwindles with each passing day.
A daunting time for anybody, that's for sure, but for some, the pressure can be too much to handle.
This time of year can actually trigger feelings of depression and fatigue in some people.
Dr. Kathryn Miller, human services program coordinator, called the condition seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.
The most-often thought of name for this ailment is "holiday blues" or "winter blues," a state of mild depression that arises because of the intense pressures and, perhaps, unrealistic expectations of oneself or others during the holidays, Miller said.
Because of the temporary connotation from the name, it is easy to dismiss it as frivolous but, according to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, it can be a serious condition impairing one's daily activities and warranting treatment.
The Mayo Foundation in an online article dated Sept. 27, 2007, said the condition "isn't recognized by psychiatric professionals as a distinct order. However, it can be diagnosed as a subtype of depression or bipolar disorder."
The cause of SAD is unknown, but the role of sunlight seems to be a key factor. Individual health factors, such as genetics, mental health and age, the article said, may also play a role.
Three possible "culprits" are circadian rhythm, melatonin and serotonin levels.
The circadian rhythm is better known as the body's internal clock, while melatonin and serotonin are, respectively, a sleep-related hormone and a natural neurotransmitter affecting mood.
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