Winter bite prompts seasonal depression

By Sarah Trick and Allison McNeely Photo by Shannon Lough The snow, cold temperatures and dark skies of winter cause many people to feel a little down, but for some it can trigger a serious mood disorder. It’s more than the winter blues. Professionals call it seasonal affective disorder. Delaney Dunlop, 23, has had winter depression every year since she was a child, “It’s hard because I lead a very busy lifestyle. I’m constantly going places and doing things, but as soon as the fall hits, I don’t want to go anywhere or do anything.” The main symptom of any kind of depression is a loss of energy, according to Marie Clemont, a counsellor with Catholic Family Service Ottawa. In the case of winter depression, Clemont said medication can be useful, but should be used as a last resort. ‘I definitely think the medical establishment needs to take it more seriously.’ –Delaney Dunlop A treatment that helps many is light therapy, which consists of sitting in front of a special kind of lamp for 20-30 minutes per day. But not everyone has this option. Dunlop said she is unable to use light therapy because of a sensitivity to light. But she noticed this fall that spending a little more time outside has helped. She is currently studying criminology in the MA program at the University of Ottawa after doing her undergraduate degree at Carleton, where underground tunnels connect the buildings. Dunlop said she notices her grades usually drop in the fall, but at the University of Ottawa she is now forced to spend some time outside going to classes, unlike at Carleton. Dunlop said she feels doctors brushed off her condition at first. “I definitely think the medical establishment needs to take it more seriously,” Dunlop said. “Doctors don’t seem to want to deal with it.” Krista Shackleford, 31, has also suffered from the disease for several years. She says the most effective coping strategy is to deal with the symptoms before they become too severe. “I think being aware of your body is important,” Shackleford said. “I find if I ignore the symptoms too long, I get stuck in this vicious circle where I don’t want to exercise or do anything at all to make it better.” She said the best way to be supportive of someone with the disorder is to be encouraging but not forceful. “Try to get them to get out and do things, but don’t drag them out of their comfort zone too much,” she said. “For example, instead of having them go out of their way you could go watch a movie at their...