Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression. It happens during certain seasons of the year, most often fall or winter.
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Seasonal depression (SAD) is a type of depression that affects people in cycles at specific seasons of the year, mainly in the fall and winter when there are fewer daylight hours. It is thought that the seasonal changes in the environment, particularly the reduction in exposure to natural light brought on by shorter days, are what cause this illness. The body’s internal clock is thought to be upset by this decrease in sunshine, which results in changes to serotonin and melatonin levels.
These neurotransmitters are essential for controlling mood and sleep cycles. As a result, people with SAD may display symptoms that are similar to those of other serious depressive disorders, such as decreased energy, changes in appetite, difficulties concentrating, and persistent feelings of sorrow. Your healthcare provider may refer to seasonal affective disorder as seasonal depression.
Factors effecting Seasonal Depression
The intricate interplay between light exposure, circadian rhythms, and neurotransmitter function underscores the complex nature of this disorder. Although the exact mechanisms underlying SAD remain incompletely understood, treatment options typically include light therapy, psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.
By raising awareness about SAD and its impact on mental health, individuals can seek appropriate support and interventions to better manage this condition and enhance their quality of life during the challenging winter months.
Symptoms
The following are the symptoms of Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD):
- Feeling low, tearful or sad most days
- Low energy and lethargy
- Feeling irritated and annoyed
- Changes to appetite and weight
- Wanting to avoid socialization and wanting to be left alone
- Small attention span and difficulty in concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts and feelings
- Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
- feeling despair, useless and guilty
- Sleep issues
Home remedies
- To maintain a healthy lifestyle and combat the effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), it is recommended to sit in front of an artificial lightbox for a duration of at least 30-40 minutes daily.
- Alongside this practice, incorporating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is crucial.
- It is also advisable to supplement your intake of vitamin D, particularly during darker months when natural sunlight exposure may be limited.
- Regular physical exercise is beneficial not just for physical health but also for mental well-being, serving as a natural mood enhancer.
- Adequate sleep is essential for overall health and plays a significant role in managing SAD symptoms.
- Furthermore, maximizing time spent outdoors in natural light can further help regulate circadian rhythms and boost mood.
By combining these strategies, individuals can effectively combat the impact of seasonal changes and promote their well-being.
What causes Seasonal Depression (seasonal affective disorder or SAD)?
The cause of seasonal affective disorder is not clear. It is thought to be caused by changes in light exposure, which lead to changes to the body’s circadian rhythms (its ‘body clock’). At different times of the year, the body produces different amounts of melatonin and serotonin, which affect mood.
You are at higher risk of having seasonal affective disorder if you:
- are female
- are young
- live further from the equator
- have a family history of seasonal affective disorder or depression
Seasonal changes and bipolar disorder
People who have bipolar disorder are at increased risk of seasonal affective disorder. In some people with bipolar disorder, episodes of mania may be linked to a specific season. For example, spring and summer can bring on symptoms of mania or a less intense form of mania (hypomania), anxiety, agitation and irritability. They may also experience depression during the fall and winter months.
Is seasonal anxiety a thing?
A complex illness known as seasonal anxiety disorder, or SAD, causes a person to feel more anxious throughout particular months of the year. Though most people tend to have SAD in the winter or fall, some people also seem to experience it in the summer.
Is seasonal depression a disability?
It usually comes to a head in the late fall and winter. Federal courts have ruled that under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), workers with seasonal affective disorder are entitled to reasonable accommodations.
Is seasonal depression normal?
Before it ends in the warmer springtime days, this seasonal sadness develops stronger in the late fall or early winter. The “winter blues,” a mild form of SAD, can also strike you. It’s common to have some depression throughout the winter. Because it becomes dark early, you can be stuck inside. Full SAD, however, goes beyond this.
Is seasonal depression genetic?
According to studies, one or more relatives suffer from seasonal affective disorder in 25–67% of cases of the illness. Because seasonal affective disorder and some other diseases share certain genetic risk factors, it’s possible that these disorders run in families.
What age can you get seasonal depression?
The higher occurrence of seasonal affective disorder in women and its estimated age of onset between 18 and 30 years highlight the importance of gender-specific approaches in mental health care. By acknowledging these nuances, mental health professionals can provide more effective and personalized support to individuals experiencing SAD, ultimately improving their quality of life and well-being.