No Need to Feel SAD During the Winter

January 06, 2010: Occasionally feeling depressed is normal. Everyone has days when they feel low, irritable or sad, but these moods usually last a few days and As the season changes and the days get shorter, some people develop symptoms of depression. Sadness and lack of energy and motivation are not a normal part of the transition to fall and winter, however, studies show an increase in these symptoms during darker months.

This condition is known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and it usually happens during the winter. Symptoms of winter SAD normally begin in October or November and end in March or April.

The symptoms of SAD sound familiar to many and include:

• Oversleeping

• Daytime fatigue

• Carbohydrate craving

• Weight gain

TRICARE beneficiaries suffering from SAD can be optimistic about recovering and living normal lives in the winter with the many options available.

Non-active duty TRICARE beneficiaries can schedule a behavioral health care appointment and can receive the first eight behavioral health care outpatient visits per fiscal year (Oct. 1- Sept. 30) from a TRICARE provider without a referral or pre-authorization. Primary care providers can give an initial assessment and possibly treatment. To find out more about getting help go to TRICARE’s Mental Health Resource Center at http://tricare.mil/mentalhealth.

TRICARE also recently launched the TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP) to help service members and their families get the behavioral health assistance they need, when it’s needed.

TRIAP provides short-term, problem solving counseling assistance 24 hours a day to beneficiaries dealing with personal problems that might adversely impact their work performance, health and well-being. Eligible beneficiaries can access TRIAP from any location in the United States, provided they have the necessary computer hardware and software. TRIAP includes assessments, short-term counseling and referrals to more comprehensive levels of care if needed. Learn more about TRIAP at www.tricare.mil/TRIAP.