Seasonal Affective Disorder is REAL

by:
Amanda Schara, LMHC, CADC, UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital
 
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that results from seasonal changes. It is common, with more than three million cases per year in the US. It can last several months or years. SAD is said to occur due to changes in the body's internal clock, and changes in brain and body's chemicals. Feeling depressed on most days, feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, reduced energy, concentration, and interest in activities are the commonly noted symptoms. Light therapy, medications, and psychotherapy are the treatments available for SAD.
Symptoms
Most cases of SAD begin during late fall or early winter and go away during spring or summer. Some cases may be reported during spring and summer. Winter SAD and summer SAD show similar and different symptoms including:

• Feeling depressed on most of the days
• Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Sadness
• Reduced energy
• Loss of concentration and interest in activities
• Trouble sleeping/oversleeping
• Nausea, loss of appetite/craving for fatty or carbohydrate- rich foods
• Suicidal thoughts
• Weight loss/weight gain

Treatments
Light therapy, medications, and psychotherapy are the treatments available for SAD. It is important to let the doctor know of your other medical conditions, including bipolar disorder, to avoid any sideeffects from any of the medications or therapies.
Medication
Antidepressants: Drugs used to reduce the symptoms of depression. Bupropion · Paroxetine
Self-care  

• Keep your house well lit.
• Sit closer to bright windows both at home and in office.
• Take a walk outside each day
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Stick to your treatment plan
• Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, tai chi and meditation
• Practice music or art therapy.

Therapies: Light therapy · Psychotherapy

Causes
The exact cause for SAD is not known but some of the factors that are said to influence the condition include:

• Changes in the body's internal clock due to seasonal changes
• Reduced levels of the brain chemical serotonin
• An imbalance in the chemical melatonin that influences sleep and mood patterns
• Vitamin D insufficiency
• Gender: Women are more prone to SAD
• An imbalance in the chemical melatonin that influences sleep and mood patterns
• Family history of SAD
• Personal history of clinical depression or bipolar disorder
• The distance of living from the equator

As winter continues and the possibility of being homebound due to the pandemic SAD may become more prevalent. Keep your home well lit – open those curtains and shades. Be active, look for exercise videos to do daily and make it a routine. Work on puzzles or a craft, read or watch movies, and phone your family and friends. If at all possible, take time to enjoy the outside, but be safe.

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