TITLE

How to Recognize and Address Seasonal Depression

DESCRIPTION

This is a fascinating article about a disorder that some experience as the seasons change:  Seasonal Affective Disorder.  “According to Vaile Wright, senior director of health care innovation and practice directorate at the American Psychological Association, seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.) is a type of major depression. What makes S.A.D. unique is its timing: “It has a distinct seasonal onset, typically in winter, and a spontaneous remission of symptoms,” she said.   S.A.D. patients experience classic depression symptoms: sadness, irritability, trouble concentrating, lack of interest in activities and increased sleep and appetite. It doesn’t have to be cold or snowy, people can experience S.A.D. in sunny climates like Florida or Southern California.”  The article details many of the symptoms of the disorder and most importantly offers concrete suggestions to deal with the disorder and also a lesser issue of “winter blues.”   

This is a good article to accompany the abnormal/psychopathology chapters as well as the therapy chapters in your textbook.

SOURCE

New York Times, February 5, 2021, by Ashley Abramson

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/05/well/mind/seasonal-depression-covid.html?smid=em-share

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/y2uzfq63

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.)?

•What are the causes and symptoms?

•What are the recommended steps that a person can take to deal with the disorder?