Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
According to the Mayo Clinic the seasonal affective disorder “is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year”. Normally the symptoms start in the fall and may continue into the winter month. Sometimes the SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer, but that is not common.
It’s true that anyone can get SAD, but it is most common in:
- People who live in areas where winter days are very short or there are big changes in the amount of daylight in different seasons.
- Women.
- People between the ages of 15 and 55. The risk of getting SAD for the first time goes down as you age.
- People who have a close relative with SAD.
The specifics causes of SAD are unknown but experts think it may be related to the lack of sunlight during the winter. Other causes may be related with the melatonin levels and serotonin levels.
The most common symptoms are:
- Feel sad, grumpy, moody, or anxious.
- Lose interest in your usual activities.
- Eat more and crave carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta.
- Gain weight.
- Sleep more and feel drowsy during the daytime.
But the Mayo Clinic staff makes a difference of the symptoms, whether you are experience them in fall and winter season or in spring and summer season.
Fall and winter season (winter depression):
- Depression
- Hopelessness
- Anxiety
- Loss of energy
- Social withdrawal
- Oversleeping
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating and processing information
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Increased sex drive
Spring and summer season (summer depression):
If you have been depressed during the same season and have gotten better when the seasons changed for at least 2 years in a row or you have symptoms that often occur with SAD, you should visit a doctor.
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