The Truth About SAD
Seasonal affective disorder is aptly acronymized as SAD with how it reflects symptoms of depression during a seasonal change, often from fall to winter when the days shorten. The probability of acquiring this disorder increases as age does, so it is most prevalent in the middle aged and elderly population. Additionally, having an existing mood disorder or relative with one can increase the risk of acquiring it. Lastly, people living in regions further from the equator may be more profoundly affected as the difference in seasons is more pronounced since the Earth’s poles tilt away from the sun leading to much shorter days compared to the equator. There are multiple potential causes of SAD. First, when the days grow shorter, people’s biological clocks are shifted to spend less time outdoors and experience less sunlight. This dramatic shift can greatly affect sleeping patterns as people begin going to bed earlier which can lead to difficulty in falling asleep. Such difficulty unbalances hormones that cause chemical changes in the brain as people need to rest in order to have mental facilities recover. Ultimately, this affects mood which determines feelings and emotional swings and can contribute to symptoms of depression including less interest in activities, constant exhaustion, sentiments of hopelessness, and thoughts of death. Second, melatonin is produced mainly when the retinas (part of the eyes) perceive darkness which indicates nighttime. During the winter, nighttime is longer which increases the amount of melatonin produced and since melatonin adjusts circadian rhythm, which is how the cycle of activity in the brain and release of hormones increases during certain times (usually day) and decreases during others (usually night), it can therefore impact the ability to sleep and ultimately mood. Similarly, exposure to sunlight, of which there is less of during the shorter days in winter, produces Vitamin D which significantly affects levels of serotonin. Serotonin has many positive physiological and psychological effects including upon mood, learning, memory, long-lasting stable happiness, and slowing blood flow enabling clots to form to heal wounds.
Symptoms of SAD are similar to those of depression, though there is a key difference. Similarities include anxiety, persistent sadness, constant fatigue, difficulty focusing, being frequently irritable, increased appetite that can contribute to weight gain, sleeping a lot, and social withdraw. However, people with SAD only experience these symptoms during the time of year that triggers it instead of constantly like depression. A diagnosis of SAD occurs if some of these symptoms are present and depressive episodes occur during a specific season for multiple years and more frequently during that season.
As already discussed, SAD is akin to depression in various mannerisms. Another parallel between both is their impacts upon individuals, communities, and society as a whole and the resulting importance of these effects. Individuals with SAD may have low self esteem and lack of desire to do activities. This increases the risk of suicide and can also result in adverse health effects such as weight gain. In the community, SAD can decrease cooperation and sociability with others which can make others feel spurned or guilty for potentially influencing their condition. This can lead to others developing depression as those are associated feelings and moods despite SAD and depression not being inherently contaigious. Lastly, SAD can promote lessened productivity at work and school which can worsen the impact people have on society in their daily lives and can potentially impair or influence others to do so as well through peer pressure.
There are many ways people can mitigate and treat SAD. However, first it is important to see a healthcare provider to confirm a diagnosis and potentially find a cause. After a diagnosis, it is likely to be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist to better the cause and symptoms through treatment and therapy. One method is to spend more time outside exposed to sunlight which regulates levels of melatonin and Vitamin D. Another method is increasing exposure to light sources to simulate sunlight and increase mental well-being as a result since light is culturally a symbol of hope. Cognitive behavioral therapy is also an option to better the condition. A patient will talk to a specialist to understand why they behave and feel a certain way when there is a specific season. Finally, antidepressant medications can be prescribed to those with SAD. There are also steps that you can take to help anybody that you know with SAD. You can listen to them explaining how they feel, reassure them of their positive qualities, regularly check in with their feelings an emotions, spend time with them, and encourage them to receive treatment if necessary. All of these things can remind them that they are not alone and someone cares which gives them hope and courage to continue on as they know someone wants them to.
Sources:
Comments