Seasonal affective disorder

Seasonal affective disorder is recurrent depression that starts in a particular season and then lifts, usually during months with less daylight. In Curaçao, this pattern is less clear-cut; have low mood, excessive sleep, loss of enjoyment or suicidal thoughts assessed and other causes ruled out.

• Low mood, emptiness or irritability on most days and reduced enjoyment or interest.
• Excessive sleep, difficulty getting up, tiredness and a heavy feeling in the arms or legs with a winter pattern.
• Go outside in daylight at a regular time each day and combine this with gentle exercise where possible.
• Keep sleeping and waking times regular and avoid sleeping in for long periods, which shifts the rhythm further.
• Make an appointment if low mood or loss of enjoyment lasts more than two weeks or clearly impairs functioning.
• For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.