HAWC shines a light on SADness

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  For servicemembers and their families, the winter season brings more than just bitter cold. By early October the wintry weather is joined with minimal hours of daylight that can be the real burden on the effectiveness of base population.

Eielson Air Force Base is one of several bases that use light therapy to combat the effects of winter depression, more commonly referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

The winter climate affects everyone differently and as a result diagnosis of SAD isn't always clear due to the varying signs and symptoms.

Some of the symptoms can include an increase in need for sleep, appetite, weight gain, irritability, interpersonal difficulties, or sometimes even a sluggish, heavy feeling in arms or legs, according to the 354th Fighter Wing Health and Wellness Center.

"SAD is a form of depression so it affects everyone differently," said Janneane Moody, HAWC elements chief and health promotion manager. "Some people get it and others never get it. It's hard to tell until you are already feeling the blues."

"There are different levels of SAD," said Denise Quesenberry, HAWC office manager. "Winter depression can vary from very severe to an individual not wanting to get up in the morning because it's cold or its dark. Some people live three or four years on Eielson and suddenly they're depressed and without ever showing signs or symptoms of SAD."

"Once you [have] SAD there isn't much you can do without proper treatment," added Mrs. Quesenberry.

The HAWC Staff is in charge of informing servicemembers and their families on how to anticipate the affects of winter depression and how to avoid SAD.

"The happy lights are a preventative measure against SAD," said Mrs. Moody. "Depending on the type of treatment, an individual may do well with as little as ten minutes a day under the happy lights."

Tanning beds can also help, but they emit ultra violet lights which can be harmful. At the HAWC the happy lights may prove to be the healthier alternative.

"Happy lights don't emit ultra violet rays so it's a hundred percent safe," she added.

According to the HAWC, the happy lights trick the brain into thinking that it is receiving sunlight. In treating SAD, light therapy of this kind coupled with healthy winter living can result in positive results.

The HAWC also makes sure that everyone has access to light therapy by providing varied locations for happy lights, including the HAWC, the base clinic waiting room, and a new unit just outside the HAWC.

"We team the happy light with a relaxation chair in the relaxation room, but the problem with that is we are only open until 4:30 p.m. and the gym is open much later," said Mrs. Moody. "When we got the new unit the idea was to give people extended hours of access to the happy lights."

In addition, the HAWC is looking to provide more locations for the happy lights as well as other programs to help prevent the effects of SAD.

A proactive approach may be one of the best ways to remain healthy during the dark Alaskan winters.

The primary goal of the HAWC is to educate the public on how to seek out methods of staying healthy that are both proactive and preventative.

The relaxation room in the HAWC is available for your personal use (Call 377-WELL to reserve the room), and it never hurts to make an appointment with a primary care physician if feeling the winter blues.

Other tips for overcoming winter blues include:
· Get outside in the sun as much as possible.
· Keep the drapes open and the window shades raised during daylight hours.
· Sit near windows, and gaze outside periodically.
· On cloudy days, turn on bright lights.
· Do not isolate during winter. Visit friends, go to the gym, attend classes, check out local events, and see shows-anything to get out and about. (The HAWC always has something going on!)
· Check out equipment from Outdoor Recreation and try a new winter sport.
· Try to take vacation in the winter instead of in the summer.