December - Seasonal Affective Disorder
We are coming up on the year-end holiday season when happiness and celebrations are common. Unfortunately, some people will find it difficult to be in a celebratory mood. Those individuals might find their moods being affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, most commonly during fall and winter months, when daylight hours are shorter.
SAD is characterized by recurrent episodes of depression that coincide with seasonal changes. Most individuals experience symptoms starting in late fall or early winter and improving in spring and summer. However, some may experience the opposite pattern, with symptoms beginning in spring or summer, known as summer-pattern SAD.
Symptoms of SAD can vary but include: 1) Winter-pattern SAD can cause increased sleep, social withdrawal, low energy, irritability, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating; and 2) Summer-pattern SAD symptoms may include insomnia, weight loss, increased anxiety, and agitation. Common symptoms across both patterns include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
The exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to changes in light exposure. Shorter days and reduced sunlight during fall and winter may lead to chemical changes in the brain, affecting mood regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin.
Treatment for SAD may include light therapy, psychotherapy, and medications. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of SAD, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider.
Sources for this information include Mayo Clinic and John Hopkins Medicine.
About the author: Hosea Long, coordinator of the Saint John Chronic Illness Support Group, has been a member of Saint John for forty years, serving in a number of areas. He’s a retired human resources executive. He served as associate vice chancellor/chief HR officer with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He’s also a twentyfive-year cancer survivor, living with multiple myeloma, an uncurable disease.