We often look forward to changing seasons. For many, it marks a change in their daily routines, maybe a shift in sleep schedule, resetting the clocks, or pulling a new wardrobe out of the closets. However, for some, these seasonal transitions can cause mood swings, leading to feelings of sadness and changes in behavior. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects millions of Americans each year. What’s often brushed off as “winter blues” may be a serious disorder that mimics many of the symptoms of major depression.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition characterized by significant fluctuations in mood, leading to a behavioral and emotional adjustment that correlates with the changing seasons. While SAD typically affects individuals in late fall or early winter, it can manifest at other times of the year. It’s a common misconception that SAD can only develop in the winter months. Factors such as reduced daylight hours or shifted schedules may contribute to a range of depressive symptoms, including:
- Persistent sadness
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, restlessness, or helplessness
- Irritability or frustration
- Decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety
- Social withdrawal
- Disrupted sleep or oversleeping (hypersomnia)
- Changes in appetite or fluctuating weight
- Physical aches with no clear physical cause (headaches, cramps, pains, etc.)
- Thoughts of death or suicide
It’s important to understand that SAD differs from “holiday blues” or the stresses and anxiety that may arise while traveling, going on family visits, shopping for gifts, or other activities popular during the late fall and early winter. While not all individuals experience SAD each year, symptoms can be recurrent each year.
What Causes SAD?
There’s still a lot to learn about what causes SAD. One of the most accepted potential causes is a lack of serotonin due to reduced sunlight exposure. As we move further into the winter season, the days become shorter, and it gets dark sooner. With shorter days comes less light exposure. Little to no exposure to sunlight will also reduce your vitamin D intake, which can further reduce your serotonin levels. Some studies linked changes in your sleep patterns and melatonin (a natural hormone your body produces to regulate the body’s sleep cycle) levels to SAD as well.
SAD and Women
According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, women are more often affected by SAD than men. It isn’t exactly known why SAD occurs more often in women; however, we do know that women are often more susceptible to major depression and other mental disorders globally. One of the main risk factors for those who have SAD is preexisting conditions such as depression or bipolar disorder.
Diagnosing Seasonal Affective Disorder
Because SAD mimics the symptoms of so many other conditions, it can be difficult to pinpoint. The National Institute of Mental Health outlines three criteria for a diagnosis of SAD:
- You have symptoms of depression (more specifically, the symptoms of SAD mentioned earlier).
- You have depressive symptoms of SAD for a minimum of two consecutive years.
- The depressive episodes during a specific seasonal period are more frequent or more intense than at other times of the year.
If you think you may be experiencing SAD, don’t delay. Talk to a qualified TPMG Mental Health Provider today about your experience. You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire or discuss your symptoms.
Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Treatment for SAD can involve different therapies:
Light Therapy
Light therapy, as indicated by its name, utilizes artificial light to compensate for the lack of exposure to natural sunlight outdoors. Individuals undergoing light therapy will sit in front of a very bright light box for approximately 30 minutes each day. These light sources are much brighter than typical indoor lights, yet they effectively filter out potentially harmful UV rays. This form of light therapy is a very common treatment for those who experience SAD, especially those who experience winter-pattern SAD.
Counseling
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy, works by changing negative thoughts and behaviors and can be very helpful for individuals with SAD.
Medication
Your mental health provider may prescribe medication to address depression linked with SAD. When used alongside counseling, medications such as antidepressants can enhance your mood and reduce the frequency of depressive episodes.
Vitamin D Treatment
Since some theorize a connection between a Vitamin D deficiency, Vitamin D supplements may be recommended, especially for those with winter-pattern SAD. As with many forms of medication, you should consult with a qualified provider before taking any dietary supplements. Vitamin D supplements can negatively interact with some medications, so it’s important to remain safe by relying on professional advice.
Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder in Newport News, VA
If you think you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms of SAD, contact your primary care physician to begin the process of seeking treatment.
