Seasonal Depression: how those in rainy Washington can seek help

While we love living in the Pacific Northwest despite the gloom, wet and cold, a recent poll by Pemco Insurance found 59% of responders suffer some seasonal affective disorder effects during the winter.

According to the poll, 81% of Seattle and Portland residents said that the year-round weather in their cities at least somewhat matched their weather preferences, with 55% of those surveyed saying the climate mostly or exactly matches their desired weather.

With over half of the respondents saying the Pacific Northwest weather has brought on some effects of seasonal depression, the poll dug deeper into seeing who is most affected.

According to the poll, although people in all age groups report being affected by seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, it seems to affect younger people more. In the Seattle area, 65% of those under the age of 55 said they suffer from it, whereas only 45% of those over 55 said they are affected. In the Portland area numbers were similar, as 62% of those under 55 said they suffer from it, and 47% of citizens over age 55 said they were affected.

Derek Wing, a communications manager at PEMCO Insurance, said the findings from the poll show a love for the Pacific Northwest and perseverance, even in the harsh winter months.

“I’d say PEMCO’s findings this month suggest that Northwesterners are resilient. Despite gray days and drizzly weather, which can take a toll on us all, we continue to see the bright side of living in the Pacific Northwest. After all, our summer months are temperate and sunny and may make up for the effects of deary weather,” Wing said.

And, more daylight is on the way with daylight saving time starting on March 13.

Do I have it?

According to mentalhealth.gov, seasonal affective disorder can bring serious mood changes during the winter months, when there is less natural light, along with different symptoms.

According to the website, symptoms can include:

▪ Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, helplessness or guilt.

▪ Irritability, restlessness, fatigue.

▪ Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy.

▪ Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions.

▪ Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping.

▪ Thoughts of death or suicide.

Is there treatment?

According to mentalhealth.gov, seasonal affective disorder may be effectively treated with light therapy, along with antidepressant medicines or talk therapy.

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Some use sunlight lamps, take vitamin D and go outside more to help ease seasonal affective disorder.

To find more information or contact someone for help, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a list of hotlines and service centers available.