Winter! The days become shorter, sunlight goes scant, and in front of the television we hide in our quilts all day long to stay warm. When does this seasonal tumble goes on to become a serious problem? Seasonal affective Depression aka SAD.
Seasonal affective depression is a type of depression which occurs specifically in a particular season of the year. Most people experience the symptoms of depression starting in Autumn, increasing during winter and are more prominent than depression in summers.
Seasonal Affective Depression is less severe than major depression?
No! This is a myth, rather it is as serious as major depressive disorder. In fact, it as a specifier for depression, or one would say a ‘sub-type’. People with seasonal affective depression experience symptoms at a particular time of the year and the rest of the time, it goes into remission. Once this switch happens over several times over two years, then it qualifies for the diagnosis.
Researchers have yet to find the exact cause of SAD but they have found a link between winter and how it can cause SAD. The low amount of sunlight in winter can create an imbalance in the biological clocks and reduce serotonin and melatonin, which regulate mood and sleep for us. Also, people who live further away from the equator or have a family history of depression could be at risk to develop SAD.
Symptoms
Symptoms for SAD are the same as criteria for the diagnosis of major depression. They might include depressed mood, loss of interest in things previously enjoyed, weight loss or gain, changes in sleep or appetite, loss of energy, difficulty concentrating, feelings of hopelessness, and even thoughts about death.
People with the winter version of SAD might also have these unique symptoms:
- Oversleeping
- Appetite changes, especially craving high carb foods
- Low energy, heaviness in arms and legs
- Weight gain
- Social withdrawal
When to seek help
With people who do see a pattern of depression through the seasons and can identify with the above-mentioned symptoms, it is important to consult an experienced psychologist rather than to self-diagnose.
To learn more about Dr Prerna Kohli click here
All images courtesy Pixabay
