The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder, and your energy seems to be at an all-time low. If this describes you or a loved one, you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression often triggered by the changes in daylight and the shifting of seasons.
Estimated to affect 10 million Americans every year, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is four times more common in women than in men. Additionally, since older adults are more likely to suffer depression than younger adults, SAD is more common in this population as well.
Let’s take a closer look at the signs and symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder and some treatment methods that may lessen the impact of this widespread disorder.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Psychology Today describes SAD as “a type of recurrent major depressive disorder in which episodes of depression occur during the same season each year. This condition is sometimes called the "winter blues," because the most common seasonal pattern is for depressive episodes to appear in the fall or winter and remit in the spring.”
Signs and Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Even with an evaluation by your healthcare provider, a diagnosis of SAD can be difficult since there are a number of other mental health issues that have similar symptoms. However, given that information, here are some of the most apparent signs and symptoms that you or a loved one may be suffering from this disorder.
The American Psychiatric Association reports that one of the biggest red flags for SAD is marked mood changes and classic symptoms of depression, including
- Sadness or feeling down most of the day, almost every day.
- Anxiety that can not be pinpointed.
- Changes in appetite or weight gain.
- Extreme fatigue and lack of energy.
- Lack of interest in things that were once enjoyed.
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Feeling irritated or agitated.
- Limbs (arms and legs) that feel heavy.
- Sleeping problems (usually oversleeping).
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
Potential Treatments for SAD
Traditional treatments for SAD may include light therapy, psychotherapy (talk therapy), and medications.
Light therapy is generally one of the first steps in treating SAD to see how it can improve symptoms. Light therapy includes using a special light box that can expose the patient to light that mimics sunlight for a certain amount of time each day. Typically, users notice an improvement within days. While you can buy a light therapy lamp on your own, it may be best to speak with your doctor first for their recommendations.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy is a form of cognitive therapy that focuses on coping techniques, managing stress, identifying and dealing with negative thoughts, and building healthy behaviors.
If these two methods do not make an impact, consider talking to your provider about using antidepressants to help lessen depressive symptoms.