I’ve had more than one of my challengers show symptoms of seasonal depression. So I figured I would to a little research on the topic and get up to speed with the causes, symptoms and treatments.
It’s finally warmed up here the last couple of the days and even plenty of sunshine, but that doesn’t mean it’s over yet
Hopefully this will help one or more of my readers.
Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder)
What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?
While we don’t know the exact causes of SAD, some scientists think that certain hormones made deep in the brain trigger attitude-related changes at certain times of year. Experts believe that SAD may be related to these hormonal changes. One theory is that less sunlight during fall and winter leads to the brain making less serotonin, a chemical linked to brain pathways that regulate mood. When nerve cell pathways in the brain that regulate mood don’t function normally, the result can be feelings of depression, along with symptoms of fatigue and weight gain.
Because the lack of enough daylight during wintertime is related to SAD, it’s seldom found in countries where there’s plenty of sunshine year-round.
What Are the Symptoms of SAD During Winter?
People with SAD have many of the normal warning signs of depression, including:
- Less energy
- Trouble concentrating
- Fatigue
- Greater appetite
- Increased desire to be alone
- Greater need for sleep
- Weight gain
How Is SAD Diagnosed?
If you’ve been feeling depressed and have some of the above symptoms, see your doctor for an assessment. He or she will recommend the right form of treatment for you.
How Is Seasonal Depression Treated?
There are different treatments, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Also, if you have another type of depression or bipolar disorder, the treatment may be different.
Many doctors recommend that people with SAD get outside early in the morning to get more natural light. If this is impossible because of the dark winter months, antidepressant medications or light therapy (phototherapy) may help.
What Is Light Therapy for SAD?
Light therapy uses a full-spectrum bright light that is shined indirectly into your eyes. When you use this therapy, you sit about 2 feet away from a bright light — about 20 times brighter than normal room lighting. The therapy starts with one 10- to 15-minute session per day. Then the times increase to 30 to 45 minutes a day, depending on your response. It’s important not to look directly at the light source of any light box for extended periods in order to minimize the possible risk of damage to your eyes.
Some people with SAD recover within days of using light therapy. Others take much longer. If the SAD symptoms don’t go away, your doctor may increase the light therapy sessions to twice daily. People who respond to light therapy are encouraged to continue it until they can be out in the sunshine again in the springtime.
Does Light Therapy Work for Seasonal Depression?
Some researchers link seasonal depression to the natural hormonemelatonin, which causes drowsiness. Light modifies the amount of melatonin in the nervous system and boosts serotonin in the brain. So light therapy has an antidepressant effect.
Can I Prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder?
If you’ve been diagnosed with SAD, you can take these steps to help prevent it from coming back:
- Spend some time outside every day, even when it’s cloudy. The effects of daylight still help.
- Begin using a 10,000 lux light box when fall starts, even before you feel the effects of winter SAD.
- Eat a well-balanced diet. This will help you have more energy, even if you’re craving starchy and sweet foods.
- Exercise for 30 minutes a day, five times a week.
- Stay involved with your social circle and regular activities. Social support is very important.
When Should I Call my Doctor About Seasonal Depression?
If you feel depressed, fatigued, and irritable the same time each year, and these feelings seem to be seasonal in nature, you may have a form of SAD. Talk openly with your doctor about your feelings. Follow the doctor’s recommendations for lifestyle changes and treatment if you have SAD.
If your doctor recommends light therapy, ask if the practice provides light boxes for patients with SAD. You can also rent or purchase a light box, but they are expensive, and health insurance companies don’t usually cover them. While side effects are minimal with light therapy, be cautious if you have sensitive skin or a history of bipolar disorder.
Most of this content was researched and copied from online resources. Please consult your physician if you feel you are experiencing symptoms of SAD.
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