Beyond The Winter Blues: Coping With Seasonal Depression (SAD)
About 1 in 20 people experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the fall and winter months with the majority of those affected being women. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, usually starting in late fall and early winter and phasing out during the spring and summer. Less commonly the opposite happens where depressive symptoms increase during the spring and summer and go away during the fall and winter.
What causes SAD?
Little is known about what causes SAD. It is believed that the reduced level of sunlight during the fall and winter can disrupt the body's internal clock and signal a decrease in serotonin (happy hormones) to the brain which may trigger depression.
What to look out for?
History of major depression and bipolar disorder, living in colder regions, and having low vitamin D levels are some common risk factors associated with SAD. These are some typical signs and symptoms that you may have when experiencing SAD:
- General sadness everyday or almost everyday
- Oversleeping
- Low energy
- Lost of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Craving carbohydrates
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of not wanting to live
- Irritability and hopelessness
How to manage it?
If you're experiencing any of the signs and symptoms listed above please talk to your primary care provider. SAD is usually treated by using light therapy to simulate sun exposure or antidepressants. An important aspect of managing SAD is to practice self care. Our FREE "Dimensions of Self Care" guide is a great and easy way to create a self care plan.