Seasonal Affective Disorder also known as Seasonal depression is when someone slips into a depressed state during the late fall and throughout winter. This affects your daily living by having little to no motivation.
With the lack of daylight it is hard for your brain to produce serotonin. Serotonin boosts your mood and well being. With the darkness your body produces more melatonin which causes you to feel sleepy and low energy levels according to kidshealth.org. This increases your chances of depression.
Signs can vary for each person. Common symptoms are oversleeping, overeating, feeling like “hibernating,” social withdrawal, and more. According to Cleveland Clinic, 5% of adults experience SAD. This disorder is most common -but not limited too- adults between 18-30 years old. Women are more at risk to have seasonal depression, as well as anyone who has a different mood disorder, mental illness, and lives far from the equator (less sun).
NIMH states during the winter many people may experience the “winter blues.” The winter blues have a lot of the same symptoms however they don’t last as long as SAD. If your symptoms last for more than 2 weeks consistently you should connect with your primary care doctor to discuss a diagnosis of Seasonal affective disorder
Once diagnosed a common treatment is light therapy, you can purchase a lamp that mimics the sunlight and helps your vitamin D levels. When your vitamin D levels are down so are your emotions. Another treatment is taking prescribed or over the counter vitamin D. Without getting vitamin D from the sun during the cold months, taking this supplement is very helpful. Your doctor may also suggest therapy, which can help you talk about your feelings while in this slump. Lastly there is a medication your doctor can prescribe to you to help boost your serotonin to bring your emotions up.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a serious issue if you are experiencing symptoms for longer than 2 weeks, talk to your doctor about it.
