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Winter Blues
Now that the holidays has passed us by, January & February tends to be the months where individuals tend to experience sadness & isolation. and unsure why this occurs .
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that happens every year during a specific season, usually winter. Symptoms can include a lack of energy and feelings of hopelessness. Fortunately, there’s treatment for seasonal depression.
You can also get a mild version of SAD known as the “winter blues.” It’s normal to feel a little down during colder months. You may be stuck inside, and it gets dark early.
But full SAD goes beyond this. It’s a form of depression. Unlike the winter blues, SAD affects your daily life, including how you feel and think. Fortunately, treatment can help you get through this challenging time.
Seasonal affective disorder is also called seasonal depression.
Can people get seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the summer?
Some people get a rare form of SAD called “summer depression.” It starts in the late spring or early summer and ends in the fall. It’s less common than the seasonal affective disorder that tends to come during winter.
How common is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?
About 5% of adults in the U.S experience SAD. It tends to start in young adulthood (usually between the ages of 18 and 30). SAD affects women more than men, though researchers aren’t sure why.
About 10% to 20% of people in America may get a milder form of the winter blues.
Who is at risk for seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more common in younger people and women. You’re also at higher risk if you:
- Have another mood disorder, such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.
- Have relatives with SAD or other forms of depression or mental health conditions, such as major depression or schizophrenia.
- Live at latitudes far north or far south from the equator. There’s less sunlight during the winter at these latitudes.
- Live in cloudy regions.
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
What are the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression. According to the American Psychiatric Association, SAD is officially classified as major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns. So if you have seasonal affective disorder, you have mood changes and symptoms of depression, including:
- Sadness, feeling depressed most of the day, almost every day.
- Anxiety.
- Carbohydrate cravings and weight gain.
- Extreme fatigue and lack of energy.
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Feeling irritated or agitated.
- Limbs (arms and legs) that feel heavy.
- Loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities, including withdrawing from social activities.
- Sleeping problems (usually oversleeping).
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
People who have summer SAD may experience:
- Agitation and restlessness.
- Anxiety.
- Decreased appetite and weight loss.
- Episodes of violent behavior.
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia).
What causes seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?
Researchers don’t know exactly what causes seasonal depression. Lack of sunlight may trigger the condition if you’re prone to getting it. The theories suggest:
- Biological clock change: When there’s less sunlight, your biological clock shifts. This internal clock regulates your mood, sleep and hormones. When it shifts, you’re out of step with the daily schedule you’ve been used to and can’t adjust to changes in daylight length.
- Brain chemical imbalance: Brain chemicals called neurotransmitters send communications between nerves. These chemicals include serotonin, which contributes to feelings of happiness. If you’re at risk of SAD, you may already have less serotonin activity. Since sunlight helps regulate serotonin, a lack of sunlight in the winter can make the situation worse. Serotonin levels can fall further, leading to depression.
- Vitamin D deficiency: Your serotonin level also gets a boost from vitamin D. Since sunlight helps produce vitamin D, less sun in the winter can lead to a vitamin D deficiency. That change can affect your serotonin level and your mood.
- Melatonin boost: Melatonin is a chemical that affects your sleep patterns and mood. The lack of sunlight may stimulate an overproduction of melatonin in some people. You may feel sluggish and sleepy during the winter.
- Negative thoughts: People with SAD often have stress, anxiety and negative thoughts about the winter. Researchers aren’t sure if these negative thoughts are a cause or effect of seasonal depression.
When should I see my healthcare provider about seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?
If you think you have symptoms of seasonal depression or another mood disorder, see your healthcare provider. Your provider will want to rule out another condition or illness that may be causing these symptoms.
There are a number of resources available to provide support and information to people living with mental illnesses. If you or someone you know needs help, are in the U.S. and need support right now, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255