SAD? Mental Health can help

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class David Carbajal
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Anchorage and the surrounding areas average only six hours of sunlight per day between December and January. During this time, people are the most likely to have seasonal depression. 

Throughout December, the 3rd Medical Group's Mental Health Flight will display information booths at the hospital and the fitness center to educate Arctic Warriors on treatments options. 

"More than 36 million people have SAD, and some people don't even know it," said Capt. Marisa Alvarado, Mental Health Outreach Element chief. "The lack of sunlight is the biggest contributor." 

Symptoms of SAD can be loss of interest in normal activities, eating more carbohydrates which result in weight gain, sleeping more, feeling more tired during the daytime and irritability. 

According to Captain Alvarado, treatments can be traditional or behavioral. 

"For less severe cases of SAD, people can simply change a few things in life to improve their condition," she said. "Things like maintaining a healthy diet and working out in the afternoon instead of the morning is a great way to help with the late-day fatigue." 

Late-day fatigue usually leads to people doing fewer hobbies and sleeping more. 

Physical activities such as ice skating, cross-country skiing and snow shoeing are good additions during the winter months, she added. 

The Mental Health Flight also encourages light treatment for SAD cases. 

"SAD lights for 10 to 45 minutes per day should give people the amount to 'sunlight' they need to combat this disorder," the captain added. 

These lights are often expensive, but cheaper alternatives are available. 

"Lights that emit 10,000 lux of brightness can qualify as a SAD light but at a fraction of the cost," said Capt. Charles McCaleb, the ADAPT program manager. "These types of lights can be found at most hardware stores." 

The Health and Wellness Center also offers light treatment for up to an hour by appointment or walk-in basis. 

For more information about SAD, call the Mental Health Flight at 580-2181. To schedule an appointment for light treatment, call the HAWC at 552-2361.