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December is Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons. Many people feel "down" or have the "winter blues" when the days get shorter in the fall and winter, and feel better in the spring when longer daylight hours return.
As days become shorter, the lower levels of sunlight may affect your body chemistry, by altering your levels of melatonin (which increases sleepiness), and serotonin (which regulates mood).
Sometimes, these mood changes are more serious and can affect how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. If you have noticed significant changes in your mood and behavior when the seasons change, you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
What are the symptoms of SAD?
Symptoms of winter-pattern SAD include those of major depression:
Persistent sadness or anxiety most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks
Social withdrawal
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Decreased energy or fatigue
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Changes in sleep (oversleeping), appetite (overheating or suppressed appetite), or unplanned weight changes
Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
Who does SAD affect?
SAD occurs much more often in women than in men.
SAD is more common in people with depression or bipolar disorder. Additionally, people with SAD usually have other mental disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, eating disorder, anxiety disorder, or panic disorder.
SAD sometimes runs in families and may be more common in people who have relatives with other mental illnesses.
How is SAD treated?
There are several ways to treat SAD, including: Vitamin D, Counseling, Light Therapy, and Antidepressant medications. If you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms of SAD, consult your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for you.
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