Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a mental health concern that affects between 1 and 10 percent of adults in the United States. Despite having a reputation as a “less serious” form of depression, SAD can have a serious effect on your life.
What Are the Signs of SAD?
SAD’s signs are comparable to those of major depression. If you experience SAD, you’ll feel depressed every day or nearly every day, and you’ll have low energy. You may have problems sleeping, and you may experience changes in appetite and weight. In serious cases, you may think of hurting or even killing yourself.
Unlike major depression, if you suffer from SAD, you’ll find that it appears and disappears at the same times of year, every year. SAD that occurs in fall and winter is most common. If you have winter SAD, watch for symptoms like fatigue, oversleeping, and cravings for carbohydrates.
Some people experience spring or summer SAD as well. People who experience spring SAD are more likely to experience symptoms like anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and poor appetite with weight loss.
Avoiding the Negative Effects of SAD
Like all depression, SAD can seriously impact your life. But by recognizing SAD and taking steps to address it, you can avoid your annual mood changes before they start.
If you feel depressed for more than two weeks, you should visit your doctor. (If you feel like hurting yourself or others, you should call your doctor immediately.) Keep track of your mood over time, and provide your doctor with information about what times of year your depression gets better or worse.
Your doctor may refer you to a psychotherapist or counselor for talk therapy. They may also prescribe you antidepressants to change your brain chemistry in ways that should help your depression.
One of the most common treatments for winter SAD is light therapy. Your doctor will recommend you buy a very bright light to sit in front of during the early morning. You will usually start by only sitting in front of the light for 15-20 minutes but will slowly work up to an hour or so in front of the light. Even if you eat breakfast, read, or do work without looking directly at the light, you should experience a change in your brain chemistry that will improve your mood.
SAD is a difficult mental health concern to live with. But it’s manageable with a doctor’s help. With tools like medication, psychotherapy, and light therapy, you’ll be able to take important steps toward living a happier, healthier life.
We have found that some of the most effective mood alteration occurs when you’re in the company of friends or loved ones. At this time of year, invest in the loved ones nearby so that you can bolster your mood. If you need to speak to someone today, contact Warriors Heart through email or give us a call at (844) 448-2567.