What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that is related to seasonal change; beginning and ending around the same time each year. For most, SAD symptoms begin in the Fall and continue through the winter months. Individuals diagnosed with SAD report a sapping and/or drain of energy and an irritable mood. They also report a relief to these symptoms at the start of spring and summer months. SAD can also cause depression during the Spring and Summer months, resolving during the Fall and Winter months.
SAD signs and symptoms include:
- Feelings of listlessness, sad or down most days, nearly every day
- Losing interest in activities
- Having low energy and feeling sluggish
- Changes to sleeping patterns/habits
- Increased carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
- Thoughts of suicide
- Oversleeping
- Appetite changes, craving foods high in carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Tiredness or low energy
- Trouble sleeping
- Poort appetite
- Weight loss
- Agitation or anxiety
- Increased irritability
Who is most likely to be diagnosed? How do you know if you have it?
Individuals who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorders are at an increased risk of SAD. Specific causes of the onset are unknown, but some factors include interruption to your biological clock (circadian rhythm), reduced serotonin levels, and imbalanced melatonin levels just to name a few.Women are diagnosed with SAD more often than men. SAD also occurs more frequently in young adults than older adults. Factors that may increase one’s risk include family history, having a major depression and bipolar diagnosis, living farther away from the equator, and low level of vitamin D.
Possible Coping Skills?
In an effort to combat symptoms it is best to take preventative steps to manage symptoms early on. If steps are taken earlier to manage symptoms, you may be able to prevent symptoms from getting worse over time. You may be able to head off serious changes to eating habits, sleeping habits and mood, as you can predict the time of year these may change for you. Some individuals may use light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medication.
Most important of all is to not brush off that yearly feeling as what you may perceive as the yearly “winter blues.” Take steps and set a plan to keep your mood balanced throughout the year.
Read through some concrete, practical ways to cope with SAD by reading our blog, Embracing the Light: 8 Ways to Cope with Seasonal Depression.
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