Daylight saving time change highlights struggle with seasonal depression

WASHINGTON STATE — Getting an extra hour to enjoy this weekend sounds like a win.

On the other hand, the seasonal switch can be a sign of a tough time to come for a lot of people.

"Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, it's a form of clinical depression that follows a seasonal pattern where the depression symptoms are in effect during certain seasons of the year and they resolve in the opposite seasons of the year," said Kelly Rohan, a psychology researcher at the University of Vermont.

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What causes seasonal affective disorder?

Scientists are learning how specialized cells in our eyes turn the blue wavelength part of the light spectrum into neural signals affecting mood and alertness.

Sunlight is loaded with blue light.

"There are many helpful treatments for seasonal depression. They include antidepressant medications, bright light therapy, and cognitive behavioral talk therapy," Rohan said.

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Bright light therapy involves devices that emit light about 20 times brighter than regular indoor light.

Researchers suggest using them for 30 minutes every morning.

"Try to get outside as much as possible. There's plenty of light to be had in the wintertime. You just have to dress appropriately," said Rohan.

There is a summer version of seasonal depression, but less is known about it.