Overcoming Seasonal Affective Disorder
12/9/2021
Each year, nearly a million people spend the holiday season trapped in a form of depression called winter-onset seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD affects people in cyclical patterns, most often beginning in October or November, with depression lasting through early May. During this period, those afflicted with SAD may experience mild, moderate and sometimes severe levels of depression.
Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center’s behavioral health director, Randy DeProw, warns that SAD is, in fact, a form of depression that can severely impair daily life. “People who are experiencing symptoms should not disregard their emotions as simply a case of the winter blues,” said DeProw. “Do not ignore symptoms and when depression symptoms are present, know that they are treatable.”
Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are:
- Depression
- Hopelessness
- Anxiety
- Loss of energy
- Social withdrawal
- Oversleeping
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Appetite change, specifically craving carbohydrate-rich foods
- Weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating or processing information
The cause of SAD is believed to be linked to a combination of family genetic conditions, such as prevalence of depression in immediate family members, and restricted sunlight exposure. In fact, evidence suggests that people living in the northern hemisphere are more likely to be stricken with SAD because of their significantly longer winter, which provides much less sunlight. Moreover, SAD symptoms may also reappear in those affected when the weather is overcast and sunlight is restricted, or when indoor lighting is decreased.
Research suggests that long winter nights may lead to SAD by affecting:
- The body’s internal clock that controls sleep, known as the circadian rhythm
- The body’s production of a hormone, called melatonin, that controls sleep
- The body’s mood-affecting neurotransmitter, called serotonin
All of these changes to the body can result from reduced sunlight exposure and can lead to depression if untreated. SAD is more commonly found in women; however, men are also susceptible to this winter-time depression. SAD is more prevalent in those age 20 and older.
If you feel a little more down-in-the-dumps than usual around the holiday season, and are experiencing the signs of SAD, consult your physician. Symptoms should not be overlooked because, if left untreated, SAD may result in a serious form of depression that can severely impact your life. To make a primary care appointment, visit primarycareappointments.com/poplar-bluff/ or call 573-778-2600.
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Sources:
www.nami.org
www.familydoctor.org
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