Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a certain type of depression that can affect a person in one to two of the four seasons. Most often, a person is affected by SAD in either autumn or winter, potentially due to the lack of sunlight. People who have SAD usually feel more tired, tend to eat more, and are generally more moody during those specific seasons.
What are some symptoms?
Some other symptoms may include:
- Feeling down almost every day
- Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Having lower amounts of energy
- Sleeping in more than usual
- Craving carbs, and tending to eat more; weight gain
- Concentrating may become more difficult
- Having feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or feeling guilty about something
- Having thoughts of death.
The symptoms may become more specific for each season, though. For instance, people who suffer from Autumn and Winter SAD tend to have some symptoms like:
- Oversleeping
- Appetite changes (eating less or more)
- Weight gain
- Less energy.
People who suffer from Spring and Summer SAD, which is less common, may have other indications of it, like:
- Insomnia
- Poor appetite
- Losing weight
- Anger or anxiety
- More irritability.
Who’s more likely to have it?
People who have bipolar disorder are more likely to have SAD due to factors like genetics, brain structure, the body’s internal clock, psychological, and environmental factors. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes major mood swings in people. It’s caused mainly by genetics and environmental factors like trauma or major stress. There are many types of Bipolar Disorder, such as Bipolar I, Bipolar II (which is not a milder version of Bipolar I!), Cyclothymia, and others that can be caused by medicine or medical conditions.
What are some treatments? Is it curable?
Yes, SAD is generally curable. It can be treated with light therapy, antidepressants, CBT, and vitamin D supplements.
How do I know if I’m just sad, or if I have SAD?
You should see a doctor if you are feeling down for multiple days in a row, if you aren’t motivated to do anything you like anymore, or if you experience some of the symptoms above.
Can I have an increased chance of having SAD?
Yes, since SAD is partly caused by genetics, you can have an increased chance of it if someone in your family has it. Some other risk factors include: having major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, living far from the equator (since there tends to be less light the farther you are from it, and a low level of vitamin D.
What are some complications of SAD?
SAD can get worse if untreated. Some complications include:
- Social withdrawal
- School/work issues
- Development of other mental health issues.
Overall, SAD is a seasonal mental health disorder that causes people to feel very down during certain months. Treatments include light therapy, antidepressants, CBT, and vitamin D supplements.
