Community Corner

Feeling 'SAD' Woodbury?

How the weather affects people during a prolonged winter.

Weather got you down?

With the prolonged cold temperatures this year, Patch asked Jill Toliver, family nurse practitioner at HeathEast Woodbury Clinic, about the weather’s impact on people and season affective disorder (SAD).

SAD is a subset of depression that can strike people during winter months, Toliver said. It’s more prevalent in women, but that might be due to the fact that females are more apt to seek treatment, she said.

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The exact cause is unknown, Toliver said.

People report feeling tired, an increased appetite (or craving unhealthy foods), weight gain, irritability and general fatigue, she said.

Find out what's happening in Woodburywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Some people feel like their arms and legs are like lead,” Toliver said.

The first day of spring has come and gone, but the last time Minnesota had an eight-inch snowpack by that time was 2006, according to a Paul Douglas blog on the Star Tribune’s website.

The most supported hypothesis for SAD’s cause is a reduction in serotonin levels, which can be caused by a lack of sunlight, Toliver said. There are studies showing that it’s tied to light reaching the eyes, she said, meaning tanning beds wouldn’t be helpful.

Ten minutes of sunlight a day can be enough to prevent vitamin D deficiencies, according to the Mayo Clinic. People should consult their physician for information about supplements, Toliver said.

Exercising and eating well are two simple ways to boost serotonin levels, and if people experience SAD symptoms for two weeks or more they should contact their primary care provider, Toliver said.

Some people these days may agree with her on this.

“Hopefully our spring will be coming,” Toliver said.

Facebook Reaction

Patch recently asked: This weather is making me depressed. Am I alone here?

Kim: No. I think we all suffer from seasonal affective disorder and vitamin D deficiency.

Megan: I am ready for some warm weather for sure.

Michelle: No. It's wretched. If I was a positive person, I'd say to look at the bright side — no mosquitos or ticks! Yeah, not working for me today either.

Kathleen: I'm in AZ just waiting for it to get nicer in Woodbury so I can come home.

Jenn: I need some warm sun to cheer me up! This needs to end soon!

Eric: Felt that way since December.

Tina: No you are not alone! I just saw on KSTP that we have not had this cold or as much snow pack as we do this year since 1979.

Matt: No. I want to punch old man winter in the face.

Woodbury Patch: I try to say "It's Minnesota," but I don't wake up with vim and vigor like I should. It's tough.

Woodbury Patch: Maybe I'll call over to Woodwinds and see if I can work up a post or something.

Marla: You are NOT alone. My doctor suggested 2 things: A Happy light and Vitamin D3.

Woodbury Patch: What's a "happy light"? A sunlamp?

Marla: It simulated sunlight. You sit by it 30 minutes a day. It help with fatigue, mood, and the winter blues. There are many models at different prices. This is the one I bought:
http://www.amazon.com/Verilux-VT05FWW1-HappyLight-6000/dp/B002Q2H2JC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363716153&sr=8-1&keywords=HappyLight%C2%AE+6000+Energy+Lamp

Aaron: Not to mention opening day for the Twins is in 13 days. Accuweather predicts 58 though. Might have to wear my snow pants.

Woodbury Patch: Forgot about that Aaron. I have vivid memories of shoveling off the baseball field every spring in high school.

Stephen: I don't let the weather control my mood or I would go crazy.

Susan: Turn that frown upside down...winter is almost over!!!

Janet: Vit D does help.

Rhonda: I just want to stay cuddled in my nice warm bed.

Kathryn: I don't think you need a happy lamp when it is this sunny.

Woodbury Patch: Yeah, but it's freeezing out Kathryn!

Kathryn: It's not about heat with those lamps, it is about light!

Woodbury Patch: Can you just pop Vitamin D tablets or something?

Mike: No, your not alone. I'm concerned for my youth baseball team. We put a lot of time and effort in the dome for the past two months. If spring doesn't come quickly, we may lose the gains we made so far.

Kathryn: I would suggest a trip to theVitamin Shoppe and start with 10000 ius for a couple weeks and then down to 5000. Everyone needs vitamin D.

Mike: @patch you can pop vitamin d anytime, but to get true results, you need to take it everyday consistently. As always, talk to your dr before beginning a new supplement.

Woodbury Patch: Wait Mike, you know the dome is coming down... (Kidding.)

Janet: I was tested for something else but they also figured out I was low on vit D. My doctor said just about everyone who lives in a northern climate is low at least part of the year. You can buy it at Target, pharmacies, grocery store. If you are really low you get prescription strength.

Woodbury Patch: Cool, thanks Janet.

Susan: Will there be Easter egg hunts in the snow? Vitamin D3 helps a lot but you don't start with 10,000 IU without a doctor telling you to do it because you've been tested and your D levels are super low! When I get too much D (4000 a day is too much for me), my heart acts funny. Just buy Nature Made 1000 IU D3 and see how it goes. Add another 1000/day if it doesn't seem to help. I have a lamp called a SAD lamp but it doesn't do much for me. I have a window where the sun shines in and I let the sun shine on me for a half hour. Anyway, if you contact Woodwinds, you could volunteer to let them test your D levels so you can use the results in your article. They can suggest how much you should take.

Woodbury Patch: Yeah, I posted something yesterday on the hunts Susan Monty. Will be held regardless. And thanks for all the other info!

Woodbury Patch: http://patch.com/A-2Qx1

Woodbury Patch: It could be like a TV new piece where they put some reporter on a unicycle or whatever. (;

Mike: No

Susan: Yes, that's what I was thinking.. photo of you getting the blood test, buying your Vit D, sitting in front of your new happy lamp and a big happy smile on your face. Hmm, I think this plan needs some jazzing up...

Janet: I thought 10000 seemed a little excessive too. I was hoping they accidentally pressed an extra zero.

Kate: Nope.

Novare Renovation & Design: Cheer up - the sun is out and it's BOGO at caribou today!

Woodbury Patch: Coffee always does help. And happy spring everyone!

 

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