Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), as the name suggests, is a seasonal pattern type of depression that comes and goes.
It is also known as “winter depression” because its symptoms are more likely during the winter, but it is not mandatory because there are people with SAD who may have symptoms during the summer and feel much better during the winter.
We detect this seasonal feeling disorder more often in women than in men. Females are more prone to depression compared to males. Some of the key factors that play a major role in its development include differences in hormones, a lack of socialization, social roles, stress-avoiding behaviors, and other life stresses.
Symptoms of SAD
While each individual affected by the condition may exhibit different symptoms, some common symptoms include:
- Constantly miserable feelings
- I am losing interest in normal activities or daily tasks.
- Grumpiness
- There is an absolute lack of hope, a sense of guilt, and a feeling of worthlessness
- I am feeling drowsy, unusually tired, and sleepy during the day.
- Oversleeping or staying up longer than usual can lead to difficulties waking up in the morning.
- Gaining weight and continuing to feel hungry for more carbohydrates
- Inability to focus on important things
- Reduced sexual desire
The way these symptoms affect an individual varies from person to person. Sometimes, they can be so severe that they might damage the person’s ability to perform their day-to-day activities.
Causes of SAD
A few factors, such as a lack of sunlight during the shorter autumn and winter days, can trigger and link to SAD. In such a scenario, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain, stops working properly in the absence of sufficient sunlight. This, in turn, triggers the following effects:
Melatonin Production:
Individuals with SAD may feel sleepy because their bodies have started producing this hormone at higher levels than usual.
Serotonin production:
Lack of sunlight may impact and decrease the level of serotonin. This hormone is responsible for your mood, appetite, and sleep, and it generates feelings of depression.
Sleeping cycle (Circadian Rhythm):
Your body needs sunlight to perform various important functions, such as waking up, and lower exposure to sunlight can lead to symptoms of SAD.
Apart from this, family history and genes also play an important role and can make a person more vulnerable to developing SAD.
Treatments for SAD
There are many treatments available for SAD. However, medical experts recommend the best treatment for the person based on his or her condition. Several common treatment options are available.
Change in Habits and Style of Living:
This means getting as much natural sunlight as possible and exercising regularly; it could be any kind of exercise—dance, walking, swimming, yoga, or gyming—and you have to keep your stress levels down.
Light Therapy
Some individuals with SAD discover that light therapy can significantly boost their mood. This therapy entails sitting near a specialized lamp known as a lightbox, typically for about 30 minutes to an hour each morning. Light boxes are available in various designs.
Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), help manage an individual’s problems by changing the way she thinks and behaves. People most commonly use it to treat anxiety and depression.
When to Consult a Medical Expert
An individual should consider seeking medical advice if he or she believes he or she has SAD and is struggling to cope.
He or she can search for the best mental health centers and book an appointment for a consultation at Athena Behavioral Health, which is a government-approved mental health facility. You can contact us by email at customercare@athenabhs.com, or by phone at +91 9289086193. It is our privilege to take the pain out of yours!
The medical expert may do some initial assessments to check the mental health. They may ask a few questions about mood, lifestyle, eating habits, sleeping patterns, and any seasonal changes in thoughts and behavior. According to their analysis, you will receive treatment therapy.
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