Help available for winter depression    

Released: Jan. 22, 2004

By 2nd Lt. Lea Ann Chambers

31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy (USAFENS) -- Shorter days and colder nights in the winter can cause more than just the winter blues. For some it could be more serious.

The Yale University School of Medicine estimates seasonal affective disorder affects 11 million Americans a year and is usually accompanied by social withdrawal, irritability, low or extreme appetite and low mood.

Up to four times as many women suffer from SAD as men, and it tends to run in families. Symptoms of SAD usually begin to appear gradually throughout September and October and last through March or April.

"We do see an influx of people at the beginning of the holidays and then again after the holidays are over," said Staff Sgt. Randall Wallace, 31st Medical Group non-commissioned officer in charge of the Alcohol Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program here.  "In large quantities alcohol causes a person to be depressed, which causes them to drink more.  It is a cycle feeding upon itself."

Air Force members are not immune to this depression.  With the added stresses of high-ops tempos, deployments and separations, military members should be aware of ways to fend off winter depression.

"If you look at yourself and see you are having problems, be aware.  Starting to sleep in and drinking more are signs.  Talk to someone, don't let it go," said Sergeant Wallace.

There are a number of resources available to military members feeling depressed during the winter season.  Members seeking help can call life skills, the chaplains' office or their supervisors and first sergeants.

The easiest way to contact a chaplain is by phone, but they can also provide help via e-mail or by just stopping them when they’re out and about, said Col. Dave Cote, wing chaplain. 

"We talk to them and find out where they are coming from and then try to link them up with other people and things happening on base," he said.

During the winter months, military members should also look out for their co-workers and family members to ensure feelings of loneliness don't become overwhelming. 

"It's hard being away from friends and family," said Sergeant Wallace. "Unit leadership should seek out those individuals that might be alone and a little depressed and make sure they are doing okay.  The important thing to remember is that there is always help available."

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