The Mystery Behind Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal changes are natural phenomena, and while they vary across a wide range of possibilities, people select what is generally accepted, and talk down the unusual. For instance, summer, winter, autumn, and spring, or when women see their monthly flow and get mood swings. Seasonal affective disorder may be classified as unusual or a little unheard of, however, it affects millions of people across the globe. This article deeply discusses SAD and how we can understand it and help ourselves or our loved ones who are suffering from it.

Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

Woman feeling depressed at night, indicative of Seasonal Affective Disorder (tCaPC).

SAD is like mood swings for women when it's their time of the year, but it does not occur monthly. It is a reoccurring span of depression that comes only during a particular season—for instance, the Christmas holidays, or the hot girl summer. In many cases, SAD occurs during the winter or the rainy season and people tend to feel better or warmer during summer or spring. In a more unusual pattern, some individuals get depressed during the summer and feel better during the winter. So, if your depression is distinct to a time of the year or a particular season in the year, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder. 

Common symptoms of SAD include:

+     Social withdrawal or antisocial behaviors, especially during that time of the year

+     Constant dull mood or low energy

+     Longer nights and difficulty in waking up.

+     Lack of concentration

+     Change in appetite, probably craving junk during that time of the year.

These symptoms might be mild or shorter, in some cases and very severe in others, depending on the condition. However, it can have a significant impact on our daily life.

What causes SAD?

To date, researchers have not pinpointed the exact cause or the mystery behind SAD. However, they have identified factors that can contribute to seasonal depression.

High melatonin production: Melatonin is produced by the body system to induce or encourage sleep. It is usually produced more in darkness to procure good hours of sleep. So, individuals with SAD may struggle with low melatonin production during summer and a higher production during winter, inducing low or dull energy during the cold season.

Low exposure to sunlight: Every individual must be exposed to a certain level of sunlight to keep the body in a good flow. However, when the body does not get enough sunlight, it disrupts the circadian rhythm. This disruption can cause depression. Reduced sunlight can also cause a drop in serotonin levels which can lead to depression.

Struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the winter months (tCaPC).

Vitamin D Deficiency: vitamin D is essential for strong bones and teeth. It is also crucial for our mental health. When the sky is gloomy, it can encourage depression.

Stress: Stress easily breeds depression, especially when there are no breaks at work. In some specializations, there is more work during the winter than in the summer. For instance, construction. Some employees easily get cranky and depressed from exhaustion during winter. They don't even try to talk to anyone after work.

Treatment for SAD

SAD diagnosis only comes after a thorough evaluation by a mental health or cognitive health practitioner. In most cases, the doctor carries out a lab test to determine if the consulted symptoms are related to other physical issues. Then, a psychological test is conducted to rule out other disorders. The major criteria for SAD diagnosis is the strange seasonal reoccurrence of symptoms like depression for at least two years. After diagnosis comes the treatment.

There are many ways to combat SAD. Although these techniques are effective, they also speak to the uniqueness of the patient. They include:

Medication (Doctor’s prescription): This is the easiest technique for many individuals. They just want to get the doctor's prescription and go back to their businesses. Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase serotonin levels in the brain and can help combat depression and improve your mood, fighting SAD overall.

Psychotherapy: In this case, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used. It tackles the expectancy of these SAD symptoms by the patient, fighting anxiety overall. CBT focuses on intrusive or negative thought patterns that provoke negative reactions or keep the patient wondering about their existence.

Light Therapy: Light therapy is also one of the easiest ways to treat SAD. It involves sessions where a lightbox that emits bright light takes the place of the sun as you bask in its rays. According to statistics, this therapy has been effective when treating SAD. The rays from the bright light improved the mood, especially when used in the morning.

Light therapy as a treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (tCaPC).

Supplements: This comes in handy if you struggle with catching the morning sun. Vitamin D supplements help to improve mood, regulate the body system, and reduce symptoms of SAD.

Conclusion

Overall, it is important to live a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthy meals, visit the gym at least a few times a week, or try any other exercise. If you are an introvert, you can start with your yard. Try any outdoor activity within your environment. It would be an excuse to bask in the rays of the sun. When you feel good about yourself, your mood automatically improves. Remember, there is nothing wrong with talking to your loved ones about how you're feeling. It would help them provide you with the support you need.