Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that usually occurs in autumn and winter ( although it can appear in any season), when there is less natural sunlight. SAD can significantly influence a person’s emotional well-being, energy levels, and daily functioning.
Signs and symptoms of SAD may include:
🔴Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day;
🔴Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed;
🔴Having low energy and feeling sluggish;
🔴Having problems with sleeping too much;
🔴Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain;
🔴Having difficulty concentrating;
🔴Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty;
🔴Having thoughts of not wanting to live.
Why Does It Happen?
Three key players are:
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Your biological clock (circadian rhythm). The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body's internal clock and lead to feelings of depression.
Serotonin levels. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might play a role in SAD. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression
Melatonin levels. The change in season can disrupt the balance of the body's level of melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood
There's no known way to prevent the development of Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, you may be able to head off serious changes in mood, appetite and energy levels, as you can predict the time of the year in which these symptoms may start. ! Treatment can help prevent complications, especially SAD if is diagnosed and treated before symptoms get bad !
Some people find it helpful to begin treatment before symptoms would normally start in the fall or winter, and then continue treatment past the time symptoms would normally go away. Other people need continuous treatment to prevent symptoms from returning.