KRTV

Posted: Mar 16, 2010 4:09 PM
Updated: Mar 16, 2010 7:11 PM

Sunshine and warmer temperatures can lift people's spirits, and for the estimated 10 million Americans suffering from seasonal affective disorder, it's a welcome relief from the dreary days of winter. The News Station's Shannon Newth talked with one Great Falls woman who is both a doctor and a patient.

Kate Kennedy is a naturopathic doctor, and also a patient. She suffers from SAD and explained some of the symptoms: "I want to sleep all the time, I don't feel very social, I want to eat lots of carbs and sweets.  I just feel sluggish and slow; don't feel like doing anything."

She added, "I just don't feel like myself, I just don't feel good, I don't feel right."

Dr. Kennedy first experienced symptoms of SAD in her late teens, and like many SAD sufferers, expects to feel the onset of those symptoms in late October.

She noted, "It's a pattern and people will learn over time that they're prone to it."

One of the ways to combat seasonal affective disorder is to sit in front of a light deck for around 30 minutes each morning.

Kennedy explained, "It's called full-spectrum lighting, so it has the full range of light that the sun has."

Although warm temperatures feel nice, SAD is specifically associated with the amount of and exposure to sunlight. Getting outside in the natural light, even if it is just for five minutes, can help ease symptoms.

As a form of depression, SAD can greatly impact quality of life, but early treatment is key to keeping it contained.

Kennedy said, "That's where some testing comes in, and sometimes it is a matter of checking someone's melatonin or serotonin or vitamin D levels."

Exchanging sweets and carbs for proteins has also proven to be beneficial, as has exercise.

And the longer daylight hours are a gradual, but dramatic, change. Kate noted, "I start to feel like I'm coming alive again."