Seasonal Affective Disorder

Posted November 30, 2016 by Mandy Smith in Consumer Education

Well, it’s fall about to be winter. The season of cold, gloomy, darkness. For many that doesn’t stand for the weather only, it stands for their outlook on life. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form depression that is related to the change of seasons. Most persons with SAD show signs or symptoms in the fall and it lasts through the winter. There are some people who experiences SAD in the spring and summer seasons but that happens less often.

It is very important to not brush off feelings as “the winter blues” or as I always say “being in a funk”. You do not have to try to push through it. Having SAD is not something to be ashamed of or something you have get over on your own.

According to the Mayo Clinic SAD is a subtype of major depression so the symptoms may be the same. Some of which are listed below:

Feeling depressed some of or most of the day
Feeling worthless
Fatigued/low energy
Not enjoy your normal activities
Increase/decrease in appetite
Having issues concentrating
Problems sleeping
Thoughts of suicide and/or death

Some symptoms that are related to Fall/Winter SAD:

Problems getting along with others/irritability
Tiredness/low energy
Oversleeping
Limbs feel heavy
More sensitive in feelings (especially rejection)
Appetite changes (especially craving carbs)
Weight changes

Some causes of SAD include less sunlight which affects your internal clock, lowers your levels of serotonin levels which could trigger depression, and lowers your levels of melatonin which affects your sleep patterns.

If you are having multiple symptoms for several days contact your doctor. Some doctors will prescribe medications, counselor, or even light therapy. Some things you can do on your own to help with SAD make your environment brighter/sunnier, go outdoors, exercise, be social. It is also very important to make sure you take care of yourself: eat well, get enough sleep, and manage your stress. There is no way to prevent SAD or any other mood disorder but you can be proactive on the treatment of your choice once you notice symptoms.

Mandy Smith

Mandy has worked at RCIL since June of 2009. She is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and provides services in 32 counties to individuals who are blind or have low vision and are 55 years and older.