A form of melancholy known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is triggered by the changing of the seasons; it starts and ends roughly at the same times each year. If you have SAD like the majority of people do, your symptoms begin in the autumn and last through the winter, draining your energy and making you moody. Typically, these symptoms go away in the spring and summer. SAD less frequently results in depression in the spring or early summer and clears up in the autumn or winter.
SAD treatment options include medications, counselling, and light therapy (phototherapy).
Don’t dismiss that recurring emotion as merely a case of the “winter blues” or a temporary low that you must get over on your own.
Symptoms
SAD symptoms typically start to show up in late autumn or early winter and disappear during the longer, sunnier days of spring and summer. Less frequently, individuals with the opposite tendency experience symptoms in the spring or summer. In either instance, symptoms could be mild at first and worsen as the season goes on.
SAD symptoms and signs include:
- feeling drained, depressed, or down for the majority of every day
- you stop being interested in things you used to like
- feeling lethargic and short on energy
- Having issues with excessive slumber
- having cravings for carbohydrates, overeating, and weight increase
- having trouble staying focused
- having a sense of worthlessness or shame
- thinking that I don’t want to survive
Autumn and winter SAD
Winter depression symptoms that are unique to SAD include things like:
- Oversleeping
- changes in appetite, particularly a desire for foods rich in carbohydrates
- gaining weight
- low vitality or fatigue
Summer and spring SAD
Seasonal affective disorder with summer onset, also known as summer melancholy, may present with the following symptoms:
- difficulty resting (insomnia)
- lack of hunger
- Loss of weight
- Anxiety or agitation
- higher anxiety
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): How widespread is it?
SAD affects 5% of people in the United States. It typically begins in early adulthood (usually between the ages of 18 and 30). Researchers don’t know why women are more impacted by SAD than males, though.
A milder version of the winter blues may affect 10% to 20% of peoples.
For whom is seasonal depressive disorder (SAD) a risk?
Younger individuals and women are more likely to experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In addition, you run a higher chance if you:
possess a different mood illness, such as bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder.
have family members who suffer from SAD, other types of melancholy, or mental illnesses like major depression or schizophrenia.
reside far north or far south of the equator in latitude. In these places, the wintertime sunlight is less intense.
What is the treatment for seasonal depressive disorder (SAD)?
You will discuss treatment choices with your doctor. You might require a mix of therapies, such as:
Light treatment: Using a special lamp, bright light therapy can help treat SAD.
Cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT): Talk therapy includes CBT. It has the most sustained effects of any treatment strategy, according to research, and successfully treats SAD.
Antidepressant drugs: Medical professionals occasionally advise taking antidepressants for melancholy, either on their own or in conjunction with light therapy.
Spending time outside: Getting more sun can help your conditions get better. Attempt to leave during the day. Increase the quantity of sunlight that comes into your house or place of business.
Vitamin D: Taking a vitamin D tablet may help you feel better.
When to consult a doctor
It’s common to experience depressive feelings occasionally. But if you consistently feel depressed and lack the motivation to engage in your favourite activities, speak with your doctor. This is particularly crucial if your appetite and sleep habits have changed, you use alcohol to unwind or for comfort, or if you feel hopeless or consider suicide.
