The colder seasons bring a lack of sun and the daylight to enjoy it, as well as freezing temperatures and less time spent outside. Everyone can feel a little blue during this time, but those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are hit much harder.
This seasonal form of depression can severely cripple a person; leaving them feeling constantly fatigued and unable to accomplish any of the regular day to day activities.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Common symptoms of SAD are as follows:
- social withdrawal
- anxiety
- hopelessness
- lack of energy
How these symptoms differ from some other forms of depression is in the timing of their onset. Sufferers of SAD often start to feel the effects during late autumn and early winter. It can often leave those affected having trouble concentrating on simple activities and oversleeping regularly. Their appetite could change and they may gain some weight.
There are some cases of SAD occurring in the warmer seasons. These symptoms are present during the onset of spring, crippling sufferers in the warmer seasons.
- insomnia
- agitation
- an increased sex drive
- irritability
Causes of SAD
According to the MayoClinic.com, no one is entirely sure of the exact reason for the onset of SAD in patients. They speculate that it can be caused by serotonin, melatonin or the circadian rhythm. They say some research suspects these natural elements play a part.
Serotonin is a chemical that affects mood and melatonin is a hormone connected to sleep, each viably affecting the range of depression for the sufferer. Circadian rhythm is the approximate 24 hour natural cycle of a person. The shortness of the days in the winter season could affect this natural cycle, causing the onset of the depression.
Coping with the Winter Blues
After effectively identifying the form of depression as SAD it can then be treated. There are a few treatments for seasonal depression, the most popular of which being winter depression lights, or light boxes. These are small lights that can be placed in the home and used for approximately 30 minutes a day. The dose of 25,000 to 30,000 lux (measure of luminance) is often prescribed with the patient sitting about 45 cm away.
Sufferers of SAD can also sometimes use tanning beds for the same treatment, in shorter time intervals. Tanning beds are not highly recommended, however, because of the potentially harmful UV rays and high risk of skin cancer.
Any form of depression can severely cripple a person and leave them feeling lost and hopeless. Identifying and understanding the particular form of depression one has can be a huge step in treating it. Pay attention to mood and energy levels as the seasons change and seek treatment; SAD may not have to be such a crippling force.
Sources: Rosenthal, Norman E. M.D. Seasons of the Mind Bantam Books, 1990
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