Many people notice a change in their mood and energy levels during the winter months. Most of us pass it off as Winter Blues and carry on with our lives as normal, but for a few the depression that sets in during the Fall and Winter is a lot more serious. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects many people and is often shrugged off or miss diagnosed.
With symptoms including anxiety, loss of energy, feelings of fatigue, loss of interest, social withdrawal and weight gain, SAD can be a serious as clinical depression. Sufferers may also feel hopeless or worthless which in severe cases can lead to suicide. It is important to understand how your mood changes seasonally and get help if needed.
SAD
Lots of research has been done on SAD but unfortunately there is no conclusive data. It is generally believed that some factors include the biological clock and the drop in serotonin and melatonin levels in the body. As the weather and daylight hours change in the Fall it affects our biological clock. Our bodies and minds become used to waking to sunlight and the morning darkness in the Fall and Winter makes us want to sleep for longer. A few extra minutes here and there is nothing to be concerned with but if you or someone you know no longer wants to get out of bed it’s time to speak with a doctor. Serotonin plays a critical role in the brain by affecting our mood. Less sunlight causes a reduction of serotonin produced in the body. Melatonin is another chemical in the brain that balances hormones in the body affecting sleep patterns and mood. Certain people are more prone to suffering from the affects that the change in season does to our biological clock and serotonin and melatonin levels in the body. Women are more likely to suffer from SAD than men and people with a family history of depression or SAD may be more prone to this illness.
Diagnosis from a doctor is extremely important before trying any form of treatment. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms of SAD or other forms of depression speak with your doctor and discuss the various treatment options out there.
Winter Blues
There are a few simple ways to improve your mood over the winter. Minor symptoms or feelings of gloominess can be treated with additional sunlight. Even if the weather is cold get outside at peak sunlight hours for at least 20 minutes. Bundle up and take a walk on your lunch break. The daylight and the fresh air will help improve your mood. Keeping active by joining a team or a gym and eating healthy will also help. Winter blues are less common in warmer climates so if you can, book a holiday somewhere warm and sunny during the midst of the winter. Even a short holiday may be enough to improve your mood during a long winter.
Keep an eye on your friends and family and know the signs of SAD and depression. Help them get help if they need it. Any form of depression is debilitating and lonely but depression and SAD can be beaten with the right treatment and a strong support system.
