The months between January and March become filled with cold, chilly weather. However, winter may bring about seasonal affective disorder for those recovering from an eating disorder.
By: Regina Colie
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder And Seasonal Depression?
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that occurs during the change of seasons, such as summer and winter. Symptoms of SAD may include changes in appetite, withdrawal from seeing family and friends, hopelessness, and decreased energy levels. “Recent research has shown that people with SAD may have reduced serotonin levels, a chemical that helps regulate mood.” Seasonal depression comes into play when an individual’s symptoms intensify during the winter days with minimal to no sunlight. It is essential to work with a provider to recognize the duration of one’s depressive symptoms to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. “In order for someone to be diagnosed with depression with seasonal pattern, they would have to experience: at least two years of symptoms that became worse during a specific time of the year, and the seasonal depressive episodes must significantly outweigh the nonseasonal episodes.” The most effective treatment for SAD and seasonal depression is light therapy, which has individuals use a light box to help increase vitamin D levels.
How Are SAD and Eating Disorders Connected?
Because of the depressive symptoms that come with seasonal affective disorder, individuals who are struggling with or are in recovery from an eating disorder could experience a resurgence in those symptoms. The two most common eating disorders associated with SAD are anorexia and bulimia nervosa. “Research indicates that patients with Bulimia Nervosa commonly experience worsened depressive and appetite symptoms, resulting in the more frequent binge/purge behaviors of the disorder.” Both bulimia and SAD share similar symptoms, so individuals should continue to talk with their treatment team and maintain their recovery plan during the months with significant seasonal changes.
Tips For Handling Symptoms Of SAD and Eating Disorder Recovery
The best way to handle symptoms of both disorders is first to acknowledge and understand the what one is experiencing, especially with the guidance of a medical professional. Light therapy is one of the most recommended treatments for those experiencing seasonal affective disorder or depression. With the help of light therapy, individuals will experience increased serotonin levels and lessening symptoms. Talk therapy is also recommended for individuals experiencing both disorders simultaneously to assist with working through one’s feelings and help with creating a treatment plan to ensure a steady recovery. Above all, it is important to get support in navigating these disorders. Connect with a treatment team that can support you in the healing process.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating and body image issues. In addition to our full-time Day Treatment Program and Weeknight Intensive Outpatient Program, we offer high-quality programming, nutrition counseling with a licensed dietitian, meal support, and various other groups and resources to help those seeking help for food concerns.
Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services. Book a free consultation call with our admissions team below, or read more about our philosophy here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Regina Colie (she/her).
Regina Colie is currently pursuing her Masters in General Psychology at The New School For Social Research. She is interested in working with women who have eating disorders and postpartum depression. Upon her graduation from Marymount Manhattan College, she had the opportunity to be published in Dr. Nava Silton’s book, The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child, Adolescent, and Adult Development. Her previous work has been featured in Project HEAL, BALANCE, Olive Branch Nutrition, and Nourishing NY.
References
Falconberry, K. (2022, March 7). More than the Winter Blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder and Eating Disorders. Selah House. https://www.selahhouse.com/resources/more-than-the-winter-blues-seasonal-affective-disorder-and-eating-disorders/
Rogers Behavioral Health. (n.d.). How to tell the difference between seasonal affective disorder and depression. https://rogersbh.org/about-us/newsroom/blog/how-tell-difference-between-seasonal-affective-disorder-and-depression
Discovery. (2019, May 8). Is It Just the Winter Blues? Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program. Retrieved January 14, 2023, from https://discoverymood.com/blog/just-winter-blues/
