Winter hazards: Kashmiris struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder
By: Sualiha Zubair
Srinagar: As winter months descend upon Kashmir Valley, residents face not only harsh cold but also rising mental health challenges such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression.
SAD is linked to changes in seasons and typically strikes during the colder months. Its symptoms usually begin in late autumn, peak during winter, and subside in the spring and summer.
Priyanka N. Suvarna, a renowned psychologist and lecturer at Bangalore University, described the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as multifaceted, significantly affecting both mental and physical well-being.
According to Suvarna, “individuals with SAD often experience feelings of guilt,” which can stem from a sense of inadequacy or self-blame related to their inability to engage in daily activities or enjoy usual hobbies. “Additionally, weight gain is a common symptom, likely due to changes in eating habits.
“Oversleeping, loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, a feeling of worthlessness, and decrease in motivation are other symptoms that contribute to the overall sense of depression caused by SAD,” she said.
She concludes that additionally, cognitive challenges such as difficulty in concentration and restlessness often accompany these symptoms.
According to research conducted by prominent doctors in the Kashmir Valley, titled “Pattern of Winter Depression among Kashmiri Patients”, and published in the Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry (2023), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) predominantly affected females, with women comprising 72 percent of the sample group.
The most common age group affected by SAD was 20-30 years, accounting for 36 percent of cases. The study found that depressive mood (96%) and anxious mood (74%) were the most prevalent mood symptoms among patients. The research also highlighted that the period from November to late April saw the highest incidence of depressive symptoms.
“Symptoms typically began between September and December and showed remission from March to May. A total of 44 percent of patients reported that their symptoms were most severe in late February,” read the report.
For many Kashmiris, the struggle with SAD is both physical and emotional. Bisma Rashid, a 24-year-old student in Srinagar, shared how the prolonged winters affect her mental health.
“By December, the days become so short that it’s almost impossible to go outside. Social interaction with friends becomes limited. I find myself feeling low and easily irritated, struggling to get through the day,” she said. Similarly, 28-year-old Aqib Bashir (name changed) described his experience of the winter months as an annual struggle.
“I found myself crying for no reason, feeling empty. When my parents noticed this pattern in me for past four years, they took me to a doctor and I was diagnosed with SAD this year,” added Bashir. “I’m feeling better, I believe people with similar symptoms should also seek help,” he concluded.
Experts agree that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing the effects of SAD. They advocate that timely intervention, including therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and, in some cases, medication, help manage the disorder.
As per Suvarna, effective techniques include phototherapy, psychotherapy and sometimes exposure to sun and medication. Light therapy involves exposure to a special lightbox that mimics natural sunlight.
“Light therapy has proven to be highly effective for many individuals with SAD. It helps in regulating the body’s internal clock, boosting serotonin levels.” According to many other doctors, maintaining a balanced routine such as regular exercise, even a 30-minute walk outside is beneficial.
KV News
