SAD vs. Holiday Blues: How To Beat The Winter Slump

This video will help you understand the differences between the holiday blues and SAD, learn about the two types of SAD, and discover the possible causes and interventions for this seasonal mood disorder. Dr. Marks breaks down the science behind serotonin, sunlight, and melatonin, shedding light on how they relate to SAD. If you've ever wondered about the connection between mood and the changing seasons, this video offers valuable insights.

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References
Less SERT in spring and summer

Light Therapy Inhibits SERT
Harrison SJ, Tyrer AE, Levitan RD, Xu X, Houle S, Wilson AA, Nobrega JN, Rusjan PM, Meyer JH. Light therapy and serotonin transporter binding in the anterior cingulate and prefrontal cortex. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2015 Nov;132(5):379-88. doi: 10.1111/acps.12424. Epub 2015 Apr 17. PMID: 25891484; PMCID: PMC4942271.

Vitamin D3 vs D2

Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.

[BrainWavesVillain]

I recently watched the Grinch for the first time, and it struck a chord with me. The Grinch hated Christmas because he was raised in an orphanage and saw families coming together during the holidays, surrounded by loved ones—something he never experienced. It got me thinking about people around the world who may be going through similar emotions.

Sometimes, the holiday season can bring a mix of emotions, especially for those of us who may not have the same joyful experiences as others. You're not alone, and your feelings are valid. Wishing you strength and warmth during this holiday season 💙🎄.

[SunlessComa]

Oh. Sometimes I feel sad at Christmas specifically seeing empty chairs where family members once sat, and wishing I had a spouse sitting next to me. Between that and lack of sun I start feeling sad & lonely, and I assumed that was Seasonal Affective Disorder

[LaSpastica]

I love how you explain things so thoroughly. It’s extremely helpful.

[AstralAustin]

Thank you so much for touching on spring/summer seasonal depression! I always struggle with depression during those seasons but haven’t heard much about it from other mental health professionals

[jamesjones]

200mg Rhodiola rosea extract standardised to 3% rosavin/1% salidroside, taken everyday from the autumn equinox til the spring equinox, has worked for me for years.

[orionterron]

Could you do a follow-up on this regarding ADHD/ASD individuals?

[thsis]

One of those who deals with both. The tldr is SAD is tied into the changing of seasons, where holiday blues are directly related to the holiday itself. I typically am pretty reclusive in November and December, trying to not to spread my low mood but also not trying to offset anxiety (stores are more packed, feels more chaotic, people are shorter fused...). Looking forward to getting this long weekend over with, and the rest of the world settling back into 'normal'

Edit: also have that upswing in spring that causes me to go somewhere in the low hypomanic range. Something about the warmth, the return of foliage... Every year. Wish it could last all year.

[LV-qrfr]

Dr Marks, today my vit D levels came back and it was 7!!! ng/L. Dr said it was the lowest she had seen and i didn't even know I had any deficiency! It explains a lot. Ty for mentioning it in the vid.

[Amrutaa]

Thank you so much for the explanation on SERT how serotonin re-uptake happens. Also loved the info on vit D3 vs D2. I watch all your videos because of how effectively and concisely you communicate.

[lauriedunn]

I struggled this year during this Christmas season, I'm glad its over, its a relief and today especially, its over and i don't work today thankfully, i worked the weekend it just was all too much, going to rest today

[gingerysnap]

This is the best explanation I have ever heard. Thank you so much!

[nikoschris]

I watch your videos from the island of Syros, Greece, I love how you explain the mental health issues, thank you so much!

[buzzyboo]

The fact that your videos are so thorough and so extremely well explained makes them very helpful for your viewers. Thank you for all you do.

[melusine]

As an Aussie/ southern hemispherian, SAD is definitely not same as holiday blues. I definitely get both. Yay.
The fact winter/spring SAD framed as negatives really shows how the captialistic productivity 24/7 grindset refuses to acknowledge natural yearly cycles that humans have been part of for millenia

[stevenwilliams]

Get a Happy Light its legit !!!! Light box it improves in few days symptoms.

[rowenwolff]

What really sucks about SADS is finally having a break from college and my brain saying hey you know what would be a great use of your new found free time? Sleeping!!! Please I just want to do things again

[ipsitaray]

Very nicely explained Doctor 😊 Love your videos. So informative❤

[thedavymac]

I accidentally fixed my yearly S.A.D. symptoms this year by taking psychedelic mushrooms 😂
I woke up the next morning feeling good and have been back to normal for the last week!
Hope it lasts thru the winter!

[sheldonhollis]

Can you please do a video on false memory ocd. I would really appreciate it

[RJones-tnvg]

I do well on vitamin d3 and a light box. My depression is at it's worst November through March. Exercise helps too, but I don't really enjoy indoor exercise.