Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a depressive disorder where an individual experiences mood changes and depressive symptoms during the winter months. Doctors have linked SAD to a biochemical imbalance in the brain mainly prompted by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight in winter.
The symptoms can be distressing and overwhelming and might interfere with your daily functioning. Keep reading to learn more about symptoms and treatment options for SAD!
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include:
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Inability to concentrate
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Oversleeping
- Suicidal ideation
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Weight gain or loss
Symptoms are mostly present during winter months and usually improve by the spring, when sunlight is abundant.
If you suffer from any of the symptoms discussed above, you may want to meet with a mental health provider for a thorough evaluation. They will be able to talk to you about your symptoms and decide if you may have seasonal depression or a different mood disorder.
Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder include:
- Biological Clock Change: When there is less exposure to sunlight, your biological clock can shift. This internal clock regulates your mood, sleep-wake cycle, and hormones. Therefore, any changes can negatively impact your mood and sleep.
- Brain Chemical Imbalance: People rely on chemicals like serotonin because they contribute to feelings of happiness in the body. Since sunlight can help regulate serotonin, you are at risk of having low serotonin levels during the winter months, triggering depressive symptoms.
- Melatonin Boost: Lack of sunlight stimulates the overproduction of melatonin in some people. Because melatonin helps regulate your sleeping patterns, you will find that people may feel more sleepy and sluggish during the winter.
Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder can be treated using various methods including: light therapy, antidepressant medications, aromatherapy, talk therapy, vitamin supplementation, lifestyle changes or a combination of multiple modalities.
Final Take Away
If you find yourself having the symptoms that we have discussed above, reach out to your mental health provider. They can help you get the best treatment option for you!