What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD or Seasonal Depression is a mood disorder that typically occurs in late fall through the winter months. For some, it can occur in the spring and summer months. SAD occurs at the same time every year and affects about 0.5 to 3 percent of the population.

We will be talking about: what causes Seasonal Affective Disorder, what are the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, and how can Seasonal Affective Disorder be treated.

What causes SAD? 

• Not enough Vitamin D:
  • During the winter months, the sun doesn’t come out as much and it is a lot darker outside. Vitamin D helps produce serotonin, and when you aren’t getting as much as you are supposed to, it can lead to SAD.  
• Season change:
  • When the seasons change from fall to winter, it can lead to an imbalance in your body. With the season changes, the amount of sunlight in each day is different. This can cause a shift in your body which can shift your mood.
• Sad thoughts:
  • It is common for some people to have negative or sad thoughts in association with the winter months. This could be a reason why you are experiencing SAD when the winter months approach.
• Too much melatonin:
  • When there isn’t as much sunlight, it can cause some people’s bodies to produce too much melatonin. Too much melatonin can throw off your sleep cycle, which can affect your mood. 

What are the symptoms of SAD?

• Feeling sad for the majority of everyday 
• Not having a lot of energy 
• Having issues with concentration
• Oversleeping 
• Weight gain and eating more 
• Having thoughts of hopelessness or not having the desire to live

Symptoms can change depending on when you experience SAD. If you experience SAD during the spring and summer months, your symptoms may look a little different. Those symptoms can  include:

• Anxiety 
• Undereating and weight loss
• Insomnia

How can SAD be treated?

• Go outside:
  • Going outside can help to increase your Vitamin D and can help to boost your mood. There isn’t a lot of sunlight in the winter months, but there is usually more in the mornings. Go outside and experience the sunlight in the mornings. If you can’t go outside much, then open the blinds in your house or office to allow for sunlight to come in.
• Medication:
  • For some, medications can help reduce SAD. Medications like antidepressant medications can help to boost the activity in your brain, making it so your sadness decreases. 
• Therapy:
  • There are several different types of therapy that can help reduce SAD. For example, there is light therapy that involves UV light. Having more exposure to light can help SAD. Other types of therapies include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychotherapy, etc.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mood disorder that typically occurs in late fall through the winter months. You can also experience it in the spring and summer months.

If you have a history of depression or are experiencing SAD, contact Blue Rock Family Medicine with questions or for an appointment. https://bluerockmedical.com/family-medicine/