Seasonal Affective Disorder

November 27, 2017
Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder is the changes in mood characterized by the transition of seasons. People develop Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD (ironically), when the sun light exposure becomes shorter, and it becomes darker earlier. Since Soma is located in the north east, we know many people who suffer from the reduced light. According to the Mayo Clinic, “your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.” Sometimes, this seasonal depression can also last in the spring and summer months. The Mayo Clinic goes on to describe the symptoms as, “feeling depressed most of the day, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, having problems with sleeping, feeling sluggish, changes in appetite, feeling hopeless, having frequent thoughts of death or suicide.” If these symptoms are persistent, or have you feeling scared, please contact your doctor immediately.

There are a few reasons as to why one can experience SAD. The Mayo Clinic lists these as “the reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter-onset SAD. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. A drop in serotonin may play a role in SAD. The change in season can disrupt the balance of the body’s level of melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood.”

A few risk factors are genetics, if you already are at risk for having depression, and how far you live from the equator. Seasonal Affective Disorder, as other depressions have the same capabilities and concerns that come with any types of depression. Social and work performance are usually affected. There are a few methods to combat SAD. Some people surround themselves with a light that mimics sunlight. Other ways to reduce the depression is by practicing their favorite hobbies, getting together with family and friends, yoga, meditation, exercise, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy.

 

Do you have SAD? Are there any tips that you use? Comment below!

2 comments

  1. I have something called a happy light! to try to expose myself to more light throughout the day.

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