Conquering the Winter Blues in Spokane: Understanding and Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder
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The Inland Northwest’s winter can be a challenging time. Beyond the snow and frigid temperatures, the drastically reduced daylight hours leave many Spokane residents feeling down. This isn’t just the typical winter slump; for some, it’s seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression linked to the change in seasons.
“If you have lived in the Pacific Northwest for any amount of time,you definately understand the concept of waking up when it’s dark and then leaving work when it’s dark,” explains Ahmad Bennett,a therapist at MultiCare. “That can lead anyone to feeling down and depressed.”
SAD symptoms extend beyond simple low moods. They can include persistent feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, irritability, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. These feelings mirror those experienced by individuals with clinical depression.
Spokane’s geographical location exacerbates the issue. According to Krista Carrothers, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, Spokane experiences some of the earliest sunsets in the contiguous United States, often before 4 p.m. Coupled with a sunrise around 7:30 a.m., the city receives less than eight hours of sunlight during the winter months.
“Eight hours a day is not a lot of time. That is one of the earliest sunsets across the United States. You would have to look at places in Alaska to find less sun” during the winter, Carrothers notes.
The limited sunlight is further compounded by spokane’s frequent cloud cover and fog. Carrothers reports that only one day in December lacked mist or fog at Spokane International Airport. November fared little better, with only two days considered ”fair” weather.
This persistent lack of sunlight, Bennett explains, creates ideal conditions for seasonal depression. “We get less light and that can have a huge effect on a person. You might not be getting enough vitamin D, which gives us a little oomph to support our mental health,” he says.
Combating Seasonal Depression: Treatment and Coping Strategies
While Bennett advocates therapy for those struggling with depression, he emphasizes the importance of consulting a primary care physician to “rule out any physiological medical issue” that might be contributing to symptoms.Maintaining a sense of connection, even when motivation is low, is crucial. “You will have seasonal affective disorder regardless,but it’s easier to manage and navigate if you have some people standing next to you,” Bennett advises.
Even though vitamin D deficiency is frequently enough linked to SAD, the National Institutes of Health suggests that supplements may not be effective. Studies have shown that vitamin D supplements have ”no effect” on depressive symptoms. Instead, Bennett recommends maximizing exposure to natural sunlight whenever possible and considering the use of a grow light to mimic the benefits of ultraviolet rays.
While recent days have offered brief respites of sunshine, the long-range forecast predicts a return to gray skies and rain through the end of the year.The question remains: Will January bring a change? Jeremy Wolf, another National Weather Service meteorologist, describes the situation as a “wait-and-see scenario,” noting that the advancement of La Niña this winter has been unusually slow. A strong La Niña could bring important snowfall, while a weak one might mean a relatively mild January.
For those craving sunshine, Wolf offers a simple solution: Mount Spokane. While the city’s iconic mountain might potentially be obscured by fog in the valley, skiers frequently enough report abundant sunshine at higher elevations. “There are frequent bluebird days above the valley funk,” he says.
Chasing Sunshine in the Inland northwest
Winter in the Inland Northwest can be a bit… gray. But for those seeking a sunny escape, there’s hope. While Spokane and its surrounding areas are known for thier sometimes gloomy winter weather, there are pockets of sunshine to be found, according to local meteorologist Sarah Carrothers.
Carrothers points out that the unique geography of the region creates microclimates, leading to surprising variations in weather patterns. “There are definite times when cloud decks are so low that places like mount Spokane are actually above the clouds. We will definitely have those opportunities,” she explained.
For those willing to venture a bit further, a westward drive towards central Washington substantially improves the odds of encountering sunshine. The Columbia River Basin, specifically the area around Moses Lake, offers a higher likelihood of clear skies.
“The best closest areas that get sun this time of year is towards Moses Lake in the Columbia River Basin. They can still get those foggy days, but they don’t get as much precipitation,” Carrothers noted. This makes Moses Lake a popular destination for those seeking a break from the persistent cloud cover often experienced in Spokane during the winter months.
While no location guarantees sunshine, understanding the regional weather patterns can help residents and visitors alike plan outdoor activities and maximize their chances of catching some rays during the winter season.The contrast between the frequently enough cloudy Spokane area and the sunnier Columbia River Basin highlights the diverse microclimates of the Inland Northwest.
So,if you’re dreaming of a winter day bathed in sunlight,consider venturing west towards Moses Lake. You might just find the sunshine you’ve been craving.
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The Inland Northwest winters are synonymous with breathtaking snowy landscapes, but the limited sunlight and frequent overcast skies can take a toll on mental wellbeing. This can lead to Seasonal affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked directly to the change in seasons.
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder in spokane
Michael phelps: Ahmad, as a therapist hear in Spokane, you’ve witnessed first-hand the impact of winter on mental health. Can you explain how SAD manifests in people?
Ahmad Bennett: Absolutely. Many Spokane residents experience a dip in mood during winter due to the drastic reduction in daylight hours. This is beyond the typical winter blues. For individuals with SAD,it’s a more profound issue,involving persistent feelings of sadness,emptiness,hopelessness,irritability,and a loss of interest in things they used to enjoy. These symptoms closely mirror those experienced by people with clinical depression.
Michael Phelps: It seems like Spokane’s geographical location plays a significant role,doesn’t it?
Ahmad Bennett: Absolutely. We experience some of the earliest sunsets in the contiguous U.S., often before 4 p.m., with sunrise around 7:30 a.m. This means less than eight hours of daylight during winter.
Michael Phelps: That’s less sun than many parts of Alaska, isn’t it?
Ahmad Bennett: It is.
Michael Phelps: It seems even the brief glimpses of sunshine are fleeting. I’ve heard November and December can be especially overcast.
Ahmad Bennett: You’re right. November and December are notoriously cloudy and foggy here.
combating SAD: Treatment Options and Coping Mechanisms
Michael Phelps: So what steps can people take to address this seasonal depression?
Ahmad Bennett: The first step is to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. It’s important to rule out any underlying medical conditions that might be contributing to these symptoms. Therapy can be very beneficial for managing SAD, and medication may also be an option in some cases.
Michael Phelps: Are there any lifestyle changes that can help?
Ahmad Bennett: One crucial step is maintaining connections with others even when motivation is low.Having a support system can make a world of difference.
We also know that getting enough natural light can be incredibly helpful.
Michael Phelps: Some people assume taking vitamin D supplements might help?
Ahmad Bennett: While vitamin D deficiency is often associated with SAD,research suggests that supplements might not be as effective as once thought.
Michael Phelps: That’s interesting. What would you recommend instead?
ahmad Bennett:
Taking advantage of any available sunlight is key, and considering a light therapy lamp that simulates the effects of natural light can be very beneficial.
Michael Phelps:
It sounds like a multi-pronged approach is necessary.
Ahmad Bennett: Definitely. Addressing SAD requires a combination of professional help, lifestyle changes, and self-care strategies. Remember, you are not alone in this. Many people in Spokane struggle with SAD, and there are resources available to help you cope.
