Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a kind of depression that usually occurs in a seasonal pattern. It is often known as “winter depression” since it is more prominent in the colder months. Although this isn’t true for all people, a lot of people with SAD may feel depressed during summer and not show any symptoms in winter.

SAD is usually experienced at around the same time every year. Those with this kind of depression do not realize that they are afflicted with a problem at all, as they think of it as a regular case of the blues that go away in time.

SAD is a mental health condition that needs appropriate care and treatment. Medication and psychotherapy can help alleviate the symptoms of SAD and make the individual affected feel better.

How can you tell if you have SAD?

The symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder may start off as extremely mild but can grow worse with time. For this reason, it is advised that an individual seek medical treatment if they find themselves experiencing the symptoms listed below –

• Difficulty in concentrating
• Low energy levels
• Sleep disturbances
• Feeling suicidal
• Changes in appetite
• Weight gain/loss
• Feeling guilty or hopeless
• Being easily irritable
• Feeling low frequently or constantly

When SAD manifests in winter, these are the symptoms that are commonly observed –

• Weight gain
• Oversleeping
• Increased craving for carbohydrates; binge-eating unhealthy food
• Exhaustion

On the other hand, these are the symptoms experienced for summer depression –

• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Agitation
• Insomnia

Why it is important to get professional help for SAD

SAD, like any other form of depression, can be lethal if left unchecked. A “winter funk” can have you down and feeling sorry on some days in the season. However, with SAD, you will feel sorrow almost every day of winter/summer and have trouble taking care of your daily chores. In addition, it will interfere with your appetite and sleep patterns.

You may also begin to participate in suicidal ideation. If you catch your situation worsening with the day, get immediate help from a therapist. Medication and therapy can bring in a world of difference in treating SAD.

Research has still not been able to determine the exact causes of SAD. It has been speculated that the following may have a part to play –

• Rise and fall of melatonin levels – Our body’s melatonin level impacts our sleep and mood patterns. Changes of season can disrupt this and lead to SAD.
• Drop in serotonin levels – Serotonin levels in our body regulate our mood. Reduced sunlight during winter can make serotonin levels in our body fall, thereby negatively affecting our mood.
• Disruption of our circadian rhythm – Our body’s internal clock can become impacted by less sunlight in winter, causing us to suffer from SAD.

Phoenix Family Medical Clinic treats all kinds of depression. Walk into our clinic or schedule an appointment to learn more and help diagnose and treat your Seasonal Affective Disorder.

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