Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), much like its name, is a feeling of sadness that is linked to seasonal variations – SAD starts and ends at roughly the same periods each year. If you’re like most SAD victims, your symptoms are likely begin in the fall and last into the winter, draining your energy and making you irritable. During spring and early summers, seasonal affective depression is less frequent. SAD is more than simply a case of the “winter blues.” The symptoms can be upsetting and overpowering, interfering with daily life.
SAD is more frequent in females and younger individuals. You are also more prone to this if you:
- Have another mood changing disorder, such as severe depression or bipolar disorder.
- Have relatives who suffer from other mental illnesses, such as depression or schizophrenia.
- Live at high latitudes (northern latitudes), such as Alaska or New England.
- Live in foggy areas.
People suffering from seasonal affective disorder may also suffer from the following mental illnesses:
- Anxiety condition.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
- Anorexia is an eating disorder.
- Anxiety disorder.
Seasonal Affective Disorder has been related to a biochemical mismatch in the brain caused by fewer daylight hours and lower levels of sunshine in the winter. People’s biological internal clocks or circadian rhythms fluctuate when the seasons change, which can lead them to be out of sync with their daily routine.
CAUSES OF SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER –
- Biological clock shift: When people are exposed to less sunshine, their biological clock is affected. The internal clock is in charge of regulating mood, sleep, and hormones. People may have difficulty managing their moods when it shifts.
- Brain chemical imbalance: Neurotransmitters, which are substances in the brain, communicate between nerves. Serotonin, which leads to emotions of happiness, is one of these molecules. People who are predisposed to SAD may already have lower serotonin activity. Because sunshine helps regulate serotonin, a lack of sunlight in the winter might exacerbate the problem. Serotonin levels might drop even more, causing mood swings.
- Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D also boosts serotonin levels. Because sunshine aids in the production of vitamin D, a lack of sunlight during the winter might result in a vitamin D deficit. This alteration can have an impact on serotonin and mood.
- Melatonin supplementation: Melatonin is a hormone that influences sleep patterns. In certain persons, a lack of sunshine may cause an overproduction of melatonin. During the winter, they may feel lethargic and drowsy.
- Unpleasant thoughts: People suffering from SAD frequently experience tension, worry, and negative thoughts about the winter. Researchers are unsure if these negative thoughts are a cause or a result of seasonal sadness.
SYMPTOMS OF SAD –
SAD is not a distinct illness, but rather a form of depression defined by a recurring seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting 4 to 5 months each year. As a result, the signs and symptoms of SAD include those linked with severe depression, as well as certain unique symptoms that differ between winter and summer SAD-
- Every day, I feel depressed for the majority of the day.
- In previously enjoyed activities, interest has been lost.
- Having insufficient energy
- Having difficulty sleeping?
- Have you seen any changes in your appetite or weight?
- Having a sluggish or agitated feeling
- Having trouble concentrating
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or remorse
- Suicidal or dying thoughts occurs frequently
Symptoms of Winter SAD
- Sleeping too much (hypersomnia)
- Overeating, especially when there is a need for carbs
- Putting on weight
- Social disengagement (a sense of “hibernation”)
Symptoms of Spring and Summer SAD
- Lack of apetite causes weight loss.
- Agitation and restlessness
- Anxiety
- Occurrences of aggressive conduct
- Sleeping problems (Insomnia)
Can someone prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Because the arrival of winter pattern-SAD is so expected, persons with a history of SAD may benefit from beginning the above-mentioned therapies before the autumn to help avoid or minimize depression. Very few studies have been done on this, and existing research has shown no convincing evidence that beginning light therapy or psychotherapy ahead of time may prevent the onset of depression. Only the antidepressant bupropion prevented SAD in trial participants, although it also had a greater risk of adverse effects. People suffering with SAD should consult with their doctors if they wish to begin therapy as soon as possible and avoid depressed episodes.
TREATMENTS –
Light therapy, antidepressant drugs, talk therapy, or a combination of these can all be helpful treatments for SAD. While symptoms typically resolve on their own with the changing of seasons, symptoms can improve faster with therapy. Sitting in front of a light treatment box that emits a very bright light (while filtering out dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays) is what light therapy entails.
During the winter months, it normally takes 20 minutes or more every day, usually first thing in the morning. Most patients see some benefit from light therapy within one or two weeks after starting treatment. Treatment is generally continued through the winter to preserve the benefits and avoid recurrence. Because symptoms are expected to recur in late autumn, some patients may begin light treatment in early fall to avoid symptoms.
SAD can be efficiently treated with talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The type of antidepressant most often used to treat SAD is Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).
Increased exposure to sunshine can benefit some persons with SAD symptoms. Spending time outside, for example, or organizing your house or workplace such that you are exposed to a window during the day. (However, sun exposure can raise your chance of developing skin cancer.) And you should discuss the risks and advantages with your doctor.) Regular exercise, good diet, getting adequate sleep, and remaining active and connected (such as volunteering, engaging in group activities, and getting together with friends and family) may all help.
If you believe you have SAD symptoms, seek the advice of a skilled medical practitioner. As with other types of depression, it is critical to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be producing symptoms. In the context of hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, infectious mononucleosis, and other viral illnesses, SAD might be misdiagnosed, therefore appropriate assessment is critical. A mental health expert can identify the illness and talk about treatment choices with you. SAD is a treatable illness with the appropriate therapy.
YLCC would like to thank Shatakshee Chatterjee for her valuable contribution in this article.
