Seasonal Affective Disorder {SAD} is a type of depression that comes with the seasons. Typically, symptoms heighten during the fall and winter and can later decrease in the spring and summer. It is possible for depressive episodes to occur in the summer months; however, this is less common. SAD is not a separate mental health disorder - it is actually a type of depression that demonstrates a repetitive seasonal pattern. To be diagnosed with SAD, an individual must show signs of major depression for at least two years.
Some symptoms of major depression may include:
Feeling depressed all or most of the day
Having little to no energy
Experiencing minimal interest in activities you once enjoyed
Appetite changes
Weight gain or loss
Feeling sluggish
Experiencing difficulties falling or staying asleep
Having difficulties focusing or concentrating
Experiencing thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms of Winter SAD:
Hypersomnia {Excessive time spent sleeping}
Weight gain
Social withdrawal
Less energy
Requiring additional sleep
Symptoms of Summer SAD:
Weight loss
Minimal appetite
Insomnia {Persistent problems falling and staying asleep}
Anxiety
Agitation or irritability
What causes SAD?
The exact cause of SAD is unknown. However, some factors may include:
Melatonin levels - season changes may disrupt your body’s balance of melatonin which causes a change in overall sleep patterns and mood
Serotonin levels – Serotonin {a brain chemical that affects mood} may decrease due to less sun exposure
Vitamin D levels - less sun exposure may cause Vitamin D levels to decrease
Biological clock – a decrease in sunlight may affect your body’s natural rhythms, which could lead to experiencing symptoms of depression
Did you know?
SAD is diagnosed four times more often in women than men
Younger adults have a greater risk of SAD than older adults
Children and teens can also develop SAD
Individuals with a family history of depression are more likely to develop SAD
Living far from the equator may result in SAD due to decreased sunlight during the winter months and longer days during summer
What can I do to treat SAD?
Light therapy through exposure to artificial light
Antidepressant medications
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy {CBT}
Sun exposure
Regular exercise
Eat a balanced diet in order to keep your energy up and potential mood swings at bay
Seasonal Affective Disorder can be overwhelming, specifically during this time of year. However, the good news is that you can take control and ultimately find ways to manage SAD. One day at a time, one step at a time!
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