PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As the end of daylight saving time arrives this weekend, medical experts have warned a loss of sunlight can have a major impact on mental health. There are, however, some remedies to this problem.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that usually starts in the fall and runs through winter, according to Dr. Sosunmolu Shoyinka, chief medical officer of Philadelphia's Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services.
"It is a common manifestation of depression which occurs in the fall and winter seasons," he detailed.
"[SAD] tends to cause a shift in circadian rhythm, or the internal biological clock, that then sort of puts a person out of step internally with their usual body rhythms."
"It's thought to be linked to a chemical imbalance in the brain that is linked to shorter daylight hours and lower sunlight intensity in the winter," he added.
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Shoyinka indicated there are some patterns to look out for if you suspect you or someone you know may have the disorder.
"Primary symptoms include feeling depressed or sad, a change in appetite. Fatigue is really common despite having adequate sleep, and people actually tend to oversleep when they're experiencing these symptoms," he explained.
If you do have SAD, Shoyinka said there is hope, and help.
"One common kind of treatment is light therapy," he said. "[It] basically involves sitting in front of a box that emits a really bright light and filters out harmful ultraviolet rays."
He suggested antidepressant medications can also help, as does talk therapy. Those who suspect they have SAD, Shoyinka said, should consult their physicians as soon as possible.
He also advised anyone experiencing deep depression or suicidal thoughts to call the city's 24-Hour Mental Health Delegate Line at (215) 685-6440.