When the winter weather sets in, several people change their daily routines to adjust to the short daylight hours and cold temperatures. For some individuals, though, the change in season brings about some mental health concerns. If a senior loved one shows any signs of depression during winter or fall, it might result from seasonal depression.
What is Seasonal Depression?
Seasonal depression, also referred to as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year, usually in fall or winter. SAD may affect one's mood, appetite, sleep, and energy levels, taking a toll on all aspects of their life, from social life and relationships to work and even to a sense of self-worth.
Symptoms of Seasonal Depression
Common symptoms of seasonal depression include:
- Weight and appetite changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling stressed, irritable, or anxious
- Depressed mood, low self-esteem
- Unexplained pains and aches
- Feelings of hopelessness, despair, and sadness
- Use of alcohol or drugs for comfort
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Lack of energy and fatigue
- Loss of interest in activities one used to enjoy
As with depression, the severity of seasonal depression can vary from one individual to another—often depending on geographical location and genetic vulnerability. For many, the signs and symptoms begin mildly at the beginning of fall and progressively worsen through the darkest days of winter. The symptoms then lift by spring or early summer until one feels normal and healthy again.
How Seasonal Depression Can Start to Affect Seniors During the Fall and Winter
Seasonal depression can affect individuals at any age. Seniors are just likely to experience SAD as younger adults, but they're mostly at more risk. At any time of the year, seniors are more likely to struggle with loneliness and isolation than younger adults. During retirement, they might not have as many opportunities to be social as they once did, especially if they're limited with mobility issues. That lack of social interaction with friends or family can be a major contributor to depression in seniors.
Winter weather brings another tricky situation to the already difficult situation. Snowy, icy, or cold weather can be dangerous for seniors, so they will need to spend more time at home during winter to stay safe. This means they might not see their loved ones frequently, and they might not have enough opportunities to go out or spend time in nature.
Another possible cause of SAD in the elderly is the deficiency of vitamin D. Natural sunlight is a major source of vitamin D, so it's hard to get during winter. Though the deficiency affects people of all ages, seniors have an increased risk due to the physical health changes that happen as they age. The vitamin plays an important role in regulating mood and energy levels, so its deficiency can result in depressive symptoms.
The Degree to Which Seasonal Depression Can Worsen or Complicate the Symptoms of Alzheimer's
As earlier said, seniors are at a higher risk of having SAD, and for those living with Alzheimer's disease, SAD tends to worsen the symptoms. It can be a little hard to know if someone with Alzheimer's is experiencing seasonal depression since the two conditions have many symptoms in common. Besides the SAD symptoms mentioned earlier, seniors living with Alzheimer's and experiencing seasonal depression tend to cry almost all the time.
Another sign is that they withdraw from social activities and always desire to be alone. Additionally, seasonal depression can exacerbate the symptoms of Alzheimer's to the point where the senior gets repeated thoughts of suicide or death. And besides worsening Alzheimer's symptoms, SAD also tends to complicate Alzheimer's care since it can feel frustrating to care for someone who's frequently feeling sad and crying.
Bottom Line
In senior citizens living with Alzheimer's disease, SAD can affect just about every aspect of their life, from socialization to self-care to appetite and more. Therefore, getting them the needed help is vital to lessen the impact of seasonal depression.
At Senior Helpers of Collinsville, we are passionate about making the life of a senior loved one living with Alzheimer's disease and experiencing seasonal depression easier and more enjoyable. Our caregivers are well-equipped and well-trained to provide the right level of individual care and support.
If you live in or around Alton, Bethalto, Cottage Hills, East Alton, Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Granite City, Hartford, Lovejoy, Madison, Maryville, National Stock Yards, Roxana, South Roxana, Venice, Wood River, East Saint Louis, Fairview Heights, Belleville, Caseyville, Collinsville, Columbia, Dupo, East Carondelet, Fults, O Fallon, Prairie Du Rocher, Troy, Valmeyer, feel free to contact us today to learn more about our services.