Seasonal affective disorder: Jeanette Towns’ journey to recovery

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — As the season changes, a Rockford woman shared her journey overcoming seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Nearly 25 years ago, Jeanette Towns of Rockford was a regular and active parent.  

“I was able to function, I was able to do all my activities of daily living,” said Towns.

As fall weather approached and the skies turned gray, Towns said she noticed she became depressed.

“I would want to hibernate, I wouldn’t want to get out of the bed, I wouldn’t want to do anything, cook or clean or even take care of my family,” shared Towns.

When spring came about, Towns said she felt herself again. However, in the following years, she said a never-ending cycle had begun. 

“All I wanted to do was stay in bed, and I was often suicidal as well. It was a deep, dark depression,” explained Towns.

Towns said she eventually sought help. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and discovered that it was attributed to seasonal affective disorder.

“ When the bipolar disorder showed up, I began to get in trouble with the law, and I began to get hospitalized repeatedly, and then I finally got some help through the jail system, sending me to an institution, and then once I got educated, I could look back and say oh that’s what was wrong with me,” said Towns.

Dr. Christine Manoj of Mercy Health Alpine said SAD can happen to anyone. 

“When the seasons are changing, specifically fall and wintertime, there’s less sun outside. So, the left sun there’s outside, our body’s circadian rhythm changes because our circadian rhythm is what controls sleep,” shared Minoj.

After the right treatment, Towns to this day is stable and proud. 

“That was a horrible time, and I’m just so glad that year-round I can be a happy person. Treatment works; medication works. And people need to know not to be ashamed to talk about what they’re going through,” expressed Towns.

Minoj said the best treatments include talking to a therapist and getting as much exposure to sunlight or vitamin D.