Seasonal Affective Disorder

(SAD)

Very roughly summarized, SAD is a mood disorder in which people who are mentally stable throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms in the winter. We Torontonians just don’t get enough sun. The sun’s hazards are splashed through the media....but as usual, we take an issue to the extreme.  The truth is lack of sunshine is linked to numerous physical and mental disorders...we need some sun!

Lack of sun slows our cognitive functioning, contributes to depression and makes us just want to eat and sleep. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) says that monitoring diet and exercise are the major first steps in controlling SAD. The Mayo clinic advises that exercise is not a cure for depression but it can help improve symptoms.

You know the expression “the only sure things in life are death and taxes”. Well, I have changed that expression to “the only sure things in life are death, taxes, and winters in Canada.”  Really, even our national bird splits for the winter! Who is the bird brain?

Workplace stress  + Personal stress  + Canadian winters = A very potentially stressed out person......Squared.

Its the new math.

It is very difficult for those suffering with SAD to be productive and have any kind of motivation or momentum. Clearly, this can have detrimental affects in the workplace, and the malaise is often “contagious” to other employees.

Making sure you have your employees in a healthy routine of good nutrition and exercise before our abysmal Canadian winter sets in is a good plan for the summer. The tremendous effect of exercise on both mental and physical health has long been proven. Many people need encouragement and support to get involved in a fitness routine. Many have a sense of helplessness, and the journey is too hard or I have no time”. We all think we are busy. It is our job to show people that implementing a fitness routine is the best decision any one can ever make.