As the seasons change and the days get shorter, many people start to feel down or have less energy than usual. For some, this might be written off as a case of the “winter blues” or holiday stress, but it may also be a sign of a common condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.
While it can be easy to dismiss the symptoms and hold out for sunnier days, it’s important to recognize how SAD can impact your daily life and overall well-being. Here’s what you should know about Seasonal Affective Disorder, the signs to look out for, and how to manage its effects in colder seasons.
While “winter blues” and SAD may be used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference between the two.
Both conditions occur during winter, but the blues are milder and usually clear up shortly after onset. SAD, on the other hand, is a more serious form of depression where symptoms last for the same 4-5 months each year. Millions of people in the United States experience SAD, and for the majority of those affected, symptoms follow a seasonal pattern, starting in the fall and continuing through the end of winter. Conversely, some people may experience SAD in the summer and spring instead.
SAD is more than just feeling down because of the weather — it’s a real mental health condition that can impact your mood, energy levels, sleep patterns, appetite, and overall outlook on life. For older adults, SAD can be particularly challenging, as it may overlap with other health issues or be mistaken for signs of aging.
There’s no definitive cause of winter-pattern SAD, but decreased sunlight and shorter days may interfere with your circadian rhythm and drive chemical changes in the brain that lead to depressive symptoms. You might be at an increased risk if you have a family history, already deal with depression or a similar mental health condition, or have low levels of vitamin D.
The good news is that SAD is a recognized clinical diagnosis. Knowing it’s a real condition can provide validation, and understanding its symptoms can help those affected manage them.
The symptoms of SAD overlap with many of those seen in clinical depression. Sometimes, people with SAD have little to no mental health symptoms for the rest of the year, but for others, it may exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions.
Here are some of the most common SAD symptoms, according to the National Institute of Mental Health:
It’s important to check in with yourself, keep track of these signs, and determine whether they appear around the same time every year.
Seasonal Affective Disorder can be challenging to manage, especially around the holiday season, but making a few lifestyle changes may help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Here are some practices that can lessen the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder for older adults.
While lifestyle changes can be helpful, sometimes it may be best to seek professional support. If you’re experiencing the above symptoms for several weeks or if they impact your daily life, consider contacting a healthcare provider. They can diagnose you and provide treatment options, such as counseling, certain types of therapy, and prescription medication or supplements if necessary.
Getting help sooner rather than later can make a significant difference in managing your condition and preventing SAD from affecting future winter seasons.
*Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical consultation or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
SmartMatch does not endorse or recommend any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned in this article. Reliance on any information provided in this blog post is solely at your own risk. We encourage you to discuss any health concerns or questions with your doctor before making any decisions about your health or treatment.
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