symptoms don’t have a huge impact on daily life. Even more common and less severe is the “winter blues,” a general feeling of winter being less happy than summer, and it affects 25 to 35 percent of Canadians according to CAMH. “It’s important [that] people who are experiencing impacts talk to a health professional before treating themselves because maybe their depression isn’t the SAD kind of depression, or maybe it’s a thyroid problem, or maybe light therapy isn’t appropriate. Many people want to self-diagnose but it’s important to talk toa professional first,” she said. Kristen Holbrook, a registered clinical counselor in Coquitlam —specializing in the areas of depression, anxiety, and trauma—says people who are affected by the holiday blues and especially SAD experience some misunderstandings. “Those who find it difficult to cope with the holiday season often feel as though they are alone in feeling sad, anxious, or depressed around the holidays,” Holbrook said in an email interview with the Other Press. “A common misconception is that everyone else is feeling happy, joyous, and merry and that the individual is the exception. This can prevent those who are having a difficult time from reaching out for support or talking about how they truly feel, which creates further isolation and shame.” Many health experts state that the worst thing a person can do when they are feeling sad due to SAD is to not address their feeling and instead, overindulge—such as consuming too much alcohol. Dr. Rieche cautions people against extremity of habits: “For example, not overdrinking, not doing anything in excess, not being alone. Sometimes people get very very busy trying to do everything. And before the holidays end, they end up overdoing it. And they really end up then feeling worse.” However, Dr. Levitan states that staying physically active—such as incorporating regular exercise —may not always be a beneficial solution for people with SAD. “I get asked a lot about exercise and I would see exercise more as a preventative or maintenance treatment once people are better [...] the key point today is to make sure that, if you’re feeling signs of depression this time of year going into the winter period, make sure to first get assessed by a doctor before confirming the diagnosis and going on to treatment options.” Douglas College Counseling Services Nevertheless, Hamid-Balma says SAD is treatable but she suggests people need to be proactive in their own lifestyle in order to cope better with symptoms of SAD. “People with SAD will typically need treatment, whether through light therapy, medication, psychotherapy, ora combination of these approaches.” There are approaches the individual can personally lead to. “But people with SAD receiving treatment, as well as the other 15 percent of people who feel the “winter blahs” can benefit from self-care changes too. For example, finding small ways to increase exposure to natural daylight throughout the day, managing stress, eating healthily, keeping up with exercise and social routines that can start to drift off when it’s darker and colder, that kind of thing.” For Douglas College students who are feeling affected with SAD, I would suggest meditation and mindfulness exercises. Even a short walk around your neighbourhood is a better alternative to staying home and being isolated. Students at the David Lam campus who may be experiencing SAD symptoms (in addition to the stress of studying for upcoming final exams) can take a short break and walk across the street to look at the beautiful Christmas lights on display at Lafarge Lake. The annual Lights at Lafarge event begins November 30 and runs until January 19, 2020. Also, I would recommend listening to upbeat music, watching funny videos, hanging out with friends, and writing down your thoughts and feelings. Finally, Kristen Holbrook offers advice for those who are still having difficulty coping with SAD and feeling sad during the holidays. She says there is a way to get through it, but it requires some discipline and effort. “Don’t assume you are alone in how you feel,” Holbrook said. “Seek counselling if you are grieving or if the holidays bring up painful memories from the past or childhood traumas. If the holidays are associated with painful memories, create new rituals and routines. If you are grieving a loved one who has passed, create a new ritual to incorporate them into the holidays. Family can mean chosen family, so spend the holidays with those who make you feel good about yourself and respect your boundaries.” To inquire about or set up an appointment with a counselor, call 604-527-5486 for the New Westminster Campus or 604-777-6185 for the Coquitlam Campus. BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information Visit www.heretohelp.bc.ca for info sheets and personal stories about SAD. There is also more information, tips, and self-tests to help you understand many various mental health issues. Mood Disorders Association of BC Call 604-873-0103 in the Lower Mainland, email info@mdabc.net, or visit www.imdabc.net for resources and information on mood disorders. There is also more information on support groups around the province.