The Seasonal Affective Disorder

Have you ever felt or noticed that as a particular season is about to arrive, there are certain fluctuations in your mood, you feel overwhelmed, you are moody or simply depressed, if these mood patterns seem too familiar to you, or you feel they are disrupting your daily routine, making it difficult for you to get through, then you might want to have a look at what seasonal affective disorder is all about.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression which occurs at the same time period every year. It most commonly happens during the fall and winter, and eases off during the onset of spring and summer. It is suspected that reduced time period for the sunlight in winters might be a cause. While it most commonly occurs during the winters, some people can also experience it in the summers, known as the “summer depression’’. So what might be the causes for seasonal depression?

Causes

1.Reduced sunlight

During the onset of fall or the winter season, there is a drop in the amount of sunlight which may disrupt your internal clock or ‘the circadian rhythm’. This disruption of your internal clock can be a trigger for imbalances in hormones and affect your mood negatively.

2.Imbalances in melatonin and serotonin levels

Due to the imbalances in your circadian rhythm, it is possible that there may occur changes in the amount of certain brain chemicals that are being released, and in turn, it may cause you to feel depressed.

Symptoms

Usually, symptoms of SAD are very similar to that of depression, they can vary from mild to severe. In most cases, starting at the preset of fall and throughout winter and going away as the sunnier days arrive, whereas, this pattern can be seen in people who have the “summer depression’ as well. So let’s talk about what are the symptoms of SAD.

1.Sadness or depressed mood

A persistent feeling of being depressed, or overwhelming sadness is one of the common symptoms of SAD.

2.Having low energy

Feeling tired and exhausted despite a long sleep can also be a main symptom of SAD. It affects the overall functioning of the person throughout the day.

3.Apathy

Losing interest in things and activities you once enjoyed, lack of enthusiasm and motivation can be very emotionally draining and might leave a person confused, we need to lookout for this symptom in SAD.

4.Appetite changes

Changes in your appetite, whether feeling too much hungry, or not feeling hungry at all, both can adversely affect your health.

5.Trouble in concentrating

Not being able to proceed from a single paragraph, or keep losing track of where you were just now in a Netflix series, a trouble in concentrating can also be a sign.

6.Changes in sleep

Not able to sleep, or sleeping too much, changes in your sleep schedule can be a sign, keep track of your sleeping schedule and sleep habits.

7.Agitation

Feeling irritated over every small or minor topic can be an indication too, to look after yourself.

8.Feeling of worthlessness

Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and guilt can creep in during this hard time, over time, these feelings tend to worsen if not addressed, being aware is one of the important things we can do at that time.

9.Frequent thoughts of death and suicide

These thoughts, and feelings tend to take over at this critical time, talking to someone you trust is the first step you can take and calm yourself down.

There are definitely some days when you tend to feel down, or less enthusiastic than others, but you need to keep in mind if there’s any pattern to these feelings, do they persist for a way longer time and if they occur at the same time each year. If so, then do reach out to someone you trust, and do something about it. Your mental health is not to be neglected and SAD can be very effectively treated. It is not something you can shrug off yourself and instantaneously feel better, it doesn’t work that way. You’ll need to step up for yourself, and you’ll not regret it. Just do not suffer in silence.