Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
A devoted viewer recently triggered an interesting question. Does hating the holidays and feeling depressed during this period constitute to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)? As an expert on the study of psychiatry and mental health, it is essential to clarify and differentiate between temporary sadness and a clinical disorder.
When the holiday season unfolds, many people typically find themselves feeling low and anxious. This is mainly due to the heightened expectations, loneliness, and the heartache of missing loved ones who aren’t around to participate in the celebrations of the season. This period of melancholy usually descends around November and dissipates as the festive fervor fades with the arrival of the New Year.
This recurring sensation of sadness, linked to a specific situation, such as the holiday season, is not the same as Seasonal Affective Disorder. In fact, it leaves entirely once the situation changes, the term often used to describe this wave of changes in mood is “holiday blues”. Despite having serious implications for those experiencing it, this condition is not a medically recognized disorder.
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder
Unlike “holiday blues”, Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a recognized subtype of major depression, clinically referred to as Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern. Its chief symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, low energy, social withdrawal, and alterations in sleep and appetite. SAD is diagnosed when depressive episodes follow a seasonal pattern over two consecutive years, with symptoms typically lasting for several months.
SAD manifests itself in two distinct forms – Fall/Winter Onset SAD (Winter Depression) and late spring/early Summer Onset SAD (Summer Depression), each exhibiting a unique set of symptoms.
Those suffering from Winter Depression often experience symptoms such as oversleeping, increased appetite with an inclination for carbohydrates, weight gain and overwhelming lethargy, often leading to social withdrawal or ‘hibernating.’ This form of SAD is the more commonly observed one.
The Summer Depression, on the other hand, exhibits symptoms such as sleep disorders, decrease in appetite leading to weight loss, fidgety behavior, agitation, and heightened anxiety levels. This form of SAD exhibits a more agitated and energetic expression of depression compared to Winter Depression. Neither the energy levels nor the mood state leans towards positivity but tends to fluctuate on the negative spectrum.
The cause behind SAD is yet to be fully understood. However, it is believed that the reduced sunlight observed during fall and winter can disrupt your circadian rhythm, thereby affecting your mood. Lower sunlight levels are also associated with decreased serotonin activity, with a deficiency of serotonin triggering a higher risk of developing depression.
Melatonin levels and Vitamin D deficiency have also been linked to SAD, with higher melatonin levels contributing to feelings of fatigue (especially in Winter Depression cases). Reduced sunlight in winter months can lead to Vitamin D deficiency, thus incrementing the risk of depression. It is crucial to consult a doctor and maintain your Vitamin D levels within the acceptable ranges.
Management of Seasonal Affective Disorder
In the case of Winter Depression, light therapy boxes of 10,000 lux intensity can be beneficial. On the contrary, light therapy is not recommended for dealing with Summer Depression as it might potentially exacerbate the symptoms. Alternatives such as antidepressants or an adjustment in the existing medication regime could be considered under the guidance of a health professional.
In conclusion, despite its potential impact on your quality of life, SAD is a clinically recognized disorder which could be effectively managed with the right approach. “Holiday blues” though not a medical condition, still deserve attention and care. It is crucial to have an open conversation about mental health and consult a healthcare professional for advice.
Advocating mental health awareness and its importance in our routine conversations is essential. Embracing it and integrating wellness methodology into everyday life is part of the larger objective for individual and community mental well-being. Whether it is through positive reinforcement via home décor accessories, motivational clothing or self-help tools, the underlying message remains clear – mental health deserves its place in everyday discussion.
Do not forget to seek out additional resources such as informational videos on mental health practices, like how to effectively use light therapy. Thank you for being a part of this journey towards understanding and advocating mental health. Find more information on the topic here and see you next time.
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