The winter months are accompanied by a time of celebrating time together with loved ones, reflecting back on the year and looking forward to the next one, but for some it also comes with changes in mood, often referred to as "seasonal affective disorder." Dr. Michael Bordieri, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Murray State, joins Kate Lochte on Sounds Good to discuss this type of depressive disorder.
Dr. Michael Bordieri says what used to go by the term "seasonal affective disorder" is now treated as a type of depressive disorder, often treated with the same toolbox as more traditional forms of depression, from behavior activation (getting active and moving in the world) to cognitive therapy (changing ways we relate to thoughts, acceptance and mindfulness). A unique way of treating seasonal depression is in the area of light therapy. Individuals are getting less exposure to natural sunlight as they are in other seasons, so treatments involving artificial lighting designed to mimic sunlight has been shown to have some benefits in some studies.
Not necessarily fundamentally different, Dr. Bordieri says, it's a type of depression that often occurs during the winter months when weather is colder and when we expose ourselves to less sunlight. Because of these factors, it can be observed as a relationship between the environment and the emergence of depressive symptoms. However, some researchers have been very skeptical of this seasonal disorder. Dr. Bordieri reminds us that in the areas of Psychology the facts aren't always cut and dry. There have been a number of studies (referring to some coming out of Norway) that have shown no pronounced pattern of depressive disorders in the winter months.
Dr. Bordieri suggests finding ways to go out and engage in meaningful or pleasurable activities in the few hours of sunlight available. Financial and interpersonal stressors during the holiday season can be mitigated by finding ways to be kind to ourselves and to set aside a bit of personal time amidst the holiday hustle.
Dr. Michael Bordieri is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Murray State. Dr. Bordieri's contributions to this series are strictly informational and should not be construed as any form of psychotherapy, counseling, diagnosis or treatment. Any health condition, including depression, should be evaluated and treated by a qualified professional in the context of an established professional relationship.
The next discussion airs on December 30.
