Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression which follows a seasonal pattern. Typically it will come and go around the same time each year.
The most common pattern that SAD tends to follow is often referred to as ‘Winter Depression’, as the symptoms begin in the fall and continue throughout the winter months, with the individual starting to feel better as we enter the spring.
This is not the only pattern – some people may show symptoms of SAD in the spring and summer, feeling better as the weather gets cooler in the fall.
Symptoms of SAD:
Symptoms may vary depending on the seasonal pattern an individual is experiencing, however here are some of the common, overlapping symptoms:
- Feeling down and sad for the majority of the day, almost every day.
- Losing interest in things that you once found joy in.
- Feeling low in energy.
- Having trouble sleeping – this may be sleeping too much (often associated with a winter pattern) or not sleeping enough (often associated with a summer pattern)
- Changes in appetite – either eating more than usual and craving carbohydrates, or not eating enough.
- Finding it hard to concentrate, even on seemingly small tasks.
- Feeling worthless, hopeless and/or guilty.
- In severe cases, one may experience suicidal thoughts.
Seasonal Changes and Bipolar:
People who have bipolar may be more susceptible to SAD. Episodes of mania can sometimes be linked to specific seasons. While spring and summer can bring symptoms of mania, anxiety and irritability, fall and winter may bring symptoms of depression.
Causes:
There are no definitive cause for Seasonal Affective Disorder, however there are a number of risk factors that may contribute towards its development:
- Higher levels of melatonin: This is a hormone which causes us to feel tired.
- Lower levels of serotonin: This is a hormone which affects our mood, appetite and sleep. Lower levels of this hormone will contribute to feelings of depression.
- Bodys internal clock: You may rely on natural light to time your day-to-day actions – for example, waking up in the morning. In the winter, it becomes darker for longer and can contribute towards symptoms of SAD.
It is also possible to be more susceptible to SAD if you have family members who also struggle with this disorder.
Treatments:
There are multiple forms of treatments available for those who struggle with SAD. The most common forms are talking therapies and medications.
Talking therapies may be one-to-one or in small groups depending on the individuals symptoms and circumstances. These can be very useful in helping the individual to work through their emotions and understand these changes that they are experiencing. They are also a good way to try and re-wire the individuals way of thinking and provide some healthy coping mechanisms and activities that the individual can do on their own if and when they are struggling.
In regards to medications, it is usually anti-depressants that are prescribed for SAD. Typically your GP will advise that you start taking these a couple of weeks before your symptoms tend to set in. This gives the medication time to work through your system and enable an easier transition into the months that you may find difficult.
It is also suggested that Light Therapy can help those with symptoms of SAD. As we have less light in the winter months, it can be beneficial to be exposed to a light box in order to trick the body into thinking that is is getting more natural light. This is not often provided via the NHS but you can purchase your own light boxes online (though these can be a little on the expensive side)
Resources:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/
