If you spend most of the year feeling okay, but then the winter months hit you like a ton of bricks, that could be a sign of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that only impacts people during one portion of the year. For most people who struggle with SAD, their symptoms are worst during the cold, dark months of the year and gradually improve in the spring. At Highland Hospital Behavioral Health in Charleston, West Virginia, we offer treatment for children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with a variety of psychiatric concerns.
SAD Symptoms
Although SAD only impacts people for a certain part of each year, it can still be very intense and difficult for people to go through, because the symptoms are very similar to other types of depression, which include:
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty feeling any pleasant emotions
- Less interest in activities that typically bring joy
- Mood changes (irritability, anxiety, hopelessness, sadness)
- Inability to focus
- Weight and appetite changes
- Headaches and other physical pain
Even though SAD does go away after a few months, the interim and knowing that they could experience the same symptoms for years to come, can be very difficult for people to navigate. It can feel like their pain will never end. People with SAD can and do become suicidal, so it is important to take a person with SAD’s reports of suicidal thoughts seriously. Never leave a person alone who has expressed the intent to end their life. Stay with them or get them help.
What Causes SAD?
It’s not entirely clear what causes SAD, but it is suspected that changing light conditions that come with seasonal change may be part of the issue. When we get more or less light, our body adjusts how much serotonin and melatonin it makes, and this impacts our moods, sleep patterns, and internal clock. All of this together can lead to depression.
At-Risk Groups
- Women (as with all types of depression)
- Anyone living further from the equator
- Individuals who are over the age of 20, with the risk increasing with age
- People with blood relatives who have any form of depression
- Those who have major depression or bipolar disorder may find that their symptoms worsen at a certain time of year
- An individual who struggles with low levels of Vitamin D, which is often caused by nutritional deficiencies and lack of sunshine
Conditions That Present Like SAD
Having symptoms that look like SAD can also point to a medical condition. It’s a good idea to see your medical doctor to rule out any causes that aren’t mental health-related.
Prevention and Treatment Options
SAD is a treatable form of depression. Some of the most common interventions that are used to address symptoms include:
- Medication
- Talk therapy (particularly cognitive behavioral therapy)
- Phototherapy (also called light therapy), which is best started several weeks before the typical onset of symptoms
- Spending more time outside, even on cold, grey days
- Opening the blinds to let more natural light into your home or office space
- A healthy, well-balanced diet that provides all of the recommended vitamins and minerals
- 30 minutes or more of daily exercise to help your body make endorphins, a feel-good chemical that triggers good feelings
- Social interaction with people you care about
- Having a consistent sleep schedule
- Staying away from alcohol and drugs
Getting Help
Life always comes with ups and downs, but if you are feeling down for several days at a time or you are having a hard time completing tasks that you can usually do without trouble, it’s a good idea to see your medical doctor or a mental health professional. Seek out immediate help if you start to feel suicidal.
At Highland Hospital Behavioral Health, we treat a number of behavioral health conditions, including numerous types of depression. If you or someone you know has had periods of sadness lasting more than two weeks, is feeling like nothing makes you happy anymore, struggles with decreased or increased appetite or sleep, has considered ending your life, and is just generally struggling, it would be a good idea to reach out for support.
