If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder you’re not alone. About half a million people combat this type of depression, which is also, ironically, called SAD. SAD occurs at the same time every year, and most people start exhibiting symptoms in the fall. These symptoms continue into the winter months, tapping your energy and making you feel moody. Some people, however, experience Seasonal Affective Disorder in the spring or early summer. SAD is a very real type of depression, so it is important it is important to consider whether or not those yearly feelings are simply “winter blues” or a seasonal funk. Treatments like light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications can make the changing seasons pleasant again.
Symptoms
Whether symptoms begin in the fall or spring, or part of a bipolar disorder diagnosis, it is wise to know the warning signs. With fall and winter Seasonal Affective Disorder (or Winter Depression), the symptoms include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Heavy feelings in the arms or legs
- Social withdrawal
- Oversleeping
- Hopelessness
- Loss of energy
- Weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
Spring and Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder (or Summer Depression) symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Weight loss
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Increased sex drive
- Poor appetite
Some people with bipolar disorder experience what is called Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder. Their symptoms of mania or hypomania usually occur in spring and summer and include:
- Hyperactivity
- Rapid thoughts and speech
- Unbridled enthusiasm out of proportion to the situation
- Persistently elevated mood
- Agitation
Causes
What causes SAD is still a mystery, but like other mental health conditions, genetics, age and your body’s natural chemical makeup contribute to the development of this condition. A few specific factors that cause SAD include:
- Your biological clock (circadian rhythm). The decreased amount of sunlight in fall and winter can disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression.
- Serotonin levels. Serotonin is a brain chemical that affects mood. A drop in serotonin might play a role in seasonal affective disorder.
- Melatonin levels. Melatonin is a natural hormone that plays a role in sleep patterns and mood. When Melatonin levels drop, disruptions in sleep and mood patterns can happen.
Risk Factors
Issues that can increase the risk of Seasonal Affective Disorder are:
- Being female. While SAD is diagnosed more often in women than in men, men can have more severe symptoms.
- Living far from the equator. Probably because of less sunlight in the winter and longer days in the summer, people who live farther north or south of the equator are more susceptible to SAD.
- Family history. As with other types of depression, those with SAD may be more likely to have blood relatives with the condition.
- Having clinical depression or bipolar disorder. Symptoms of depression may worsen seasonally if you have one of these conditions.
Treatment
Light therapy, medication and psychotherapy are all effective treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Light Therapy
Light therapy is one of the first treatments doctors use; it generally starts working in two to four days and causes few side effects. Research on light therapy is limited, but it appears to be effective for most people in relieving SAD symptoms.
Medications
Antidepressants can be very beneficial for some people with Seasonal Affective Disorder, especially if their symptoms are severe. Antidepressants commonly used include Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac and Effexor.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can help identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that may be making you feel worse. You can also learn healthy ways to cope and manage stress.
Aside from these treatments, there are some things you can do on your own that can help. For instance:
- Open the blinds, trim tree branches that block sunlight or add skylights to your home, and sit closer to bright windows.
- Take a long walk, eat lunch at a nearby park, or simply sit on a bench and soak up the sun. Even on cold or cloudy days, outdoor light can help.
- Physical exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can increase Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms.
Should You See A Doctor?
It’s normal to have some days when you feel down, but long bouts of depression and lack of motivation are signals that it’s time to see your doctor. This is particularly important if you notice that your sleep patterns and appetite have changed or if you feel hopeless, think about suicide, or find yourself turning to alcohol for comfort or relaxation.
Source: Mayo Clinic
