Light therapy is one of the tools increasingly used to combat the seasonal affective disorder many of us face during winter months. Marie-Pier Lavoie, a psychologist specialising in seasonal depression and member of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec, explains how this method offers multiple benefits in cases of low morale
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal depression is a set of depressive symptoms that usually occurs in the fall and winter and gets resolved naturally in the spring.
What are the signs?
The most common symptoms are fatigue, low morale and decreased interest in daily activities. There are also "atypical" symptoms that are different from "standard" depression, such as increased appetite—especially for starches and sugars—and excessive daytime sleepiness. It's a bit as if the person wants to hibernate. Usually, there is a spontaneous, natural remission in the spring unlike with classic depression.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic accentuated the phenomenon this year?
It is difficult to assess the impact of COVID-19 on SAD symptoms. Of course, the pandemic has affected our daily lives in many ways. For those working from home and with more free time, the possibility to go outside could be beneficial for symptoms as it could be possible to take advantage of the natural light.
How can bright light therapy help fight this seasonal disorder?
Bright light therapy is the scientifically recognised treatment of choice for treating winter SAD. The light entering the eye influences the brain to stop the production of melatonin—which causes drowsiness—and to produce more serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in appetite and mood.
