What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
After daylight savings do you feel less motivated? Do you find yourself isolating and not wanting to leave the house? Is your mood generally lower? Does your appetite change? Sleep patterns all out of whack? You might be experiencing the effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Up to 9% of the population is affected by seasonal affective disorder. It is a disorder that is characterized by a type of depression that is specific to the fall and winter months where the sun sets at an earlier time. Peak SAD symptoms typically occur in the winter months, January and February typically being when symptoms hit the hardest. It differs from major depressive disorder because MDD can occur at any time of the year, but they share the same symptoms. While less common, SAD symptoms can occur in the spring and summer months, known as “summer sadness” or “reverse SAD.”
How to relieve SAD symptoms?
The sunlight plays a vital role in seasonal affective disorder. Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter in your brain that is in charge of mood regulation. Reduced sunlight exposure can lead to lower levels of serotonin, which can increase the risk of depression. The sunlight also affects our circadian rhythm, which is your internal clock that helps you wake up in the morning and fall asleep when you’re tired. Those sleep disruptions, whether you’re sleeping very little or sleeping too much, can be a symptom of depression. It is recommended to be in the sunlight for at least 15 minutes during those winter months or to partake in light exposure therapy. The sunlight is essential for the production of vitamin D, which is linked to improved mood. Therapy and medications can also help to relieve depression symptoms.
The holidays are already a tough and stressful time for people, but knowing about SAD and being aware of the symptoms can help you prepare for the fall/winter months. If you think you possibly suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, consult with your doctor or therapist, so you can get the treatment that you need!
Leave a Reply