Seasonal Depression Awareness
The end of the year is often portrayed as a joyous time, with plenty of holidays to keep spirits lifted. For some, however, their spirits might be feeling quite low. Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), affects around 5% of American adults. With a wide variety of symptoms, it can be difficult to notice the disorder in others (or even yourself).
Like depression, symptoms of SAD can include: sadness, anxiety, weight fluctuation, fatigue or lack of energy, hopeless or worthless feelings, irritation, issues with sleeping, loss of interest in activities one may usually enjoy, or thoughts of death/suicide. The main indicator that sets SAD apart from depression is when the onset of symptoms occurs. Most with SAD experience symptoms in the fall to winter months, although it is possible, but rare, to have “summer depression.” There are certain biological causes of the disorder; things such as the shift in one’s biological clock, a chemical imbalance in the brain, a vitamin D deficiency, or a melatonin boost. The shift in one’s biological clock occurs when there’s less sunlight; the amount of sunlight per day decreases the closer we get to the winter solstice. A chemical imbalance occurs when chemicals, like serotonin, don’t communicate between nerves as they’re supposed to. SAD can be treated with therapy, antidepressants, or taking vitamin D supplements. This holiday season, be sure to check up on your friends and family that may be displaying concerning symptoms.
Comments