What You Need To Know About Seasonal Affective Disorder

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you."

-Isaiah 41:10

We all know how hard isolation can be. Sometimes, we just need a shoulder to cry on or someone who is ready and able to help us through a difficult season. Thankfully, there is power in community.

At AdventHealth, we care for all of you in body, mind and spirit. Our expert care team understands the importance of mental health and its effects on your daily life. For some, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) becomes apparent as the seasons change, leaving you feeling stuck and isolated.

Read on to learn more about seasonal affective disorder and what you can do to take charge of your mental health moving forward.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder and What Causes It?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depressive disorder that's often triggered by changes in our exposure to sunlight with the changing of seasons. During these months, the days are shorter and we're exposed to less sunlight. While it's normal for some to feel saddened during the holiday season, SAD goes beyond that and affects how you think and live your daily life. SAD usually begins during the fall and lasts until spring or summer. It's also important to note that while SAD is most common in winter, it can occur during any season. Other causes of SAD include:

• Biological clock changes
• Melatonin boost
• Negative thoughts
• Vitamin D deficiency

Research shows that women are more likely to be diagnosed with SAD. According to the American Psychiatric Association, roughly 5% of the population experience it.

Symptoms of SAD

Common symptoms of SAD include:

• Anxiety
• Extreme fatigue and lack of energy
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Loss of interest in usually enjoyable activities
• Suicidal thoughts
• Thoughts of death or self-harm

It's important that you seek medical attention if you're experiencing any of these symptoms and feel that you may have SAD. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to get the help you deserve.

Know if You're at High Risk

SAD is common among those between the ages of 18 to 30. Factors that put you at high risk include:

• You have another mood disorder
• You have relatives with SAD
• You live at altitudes far north or south of the equator
• You live in cloudy regions

You can count on us to provide you with the care you deserve to help you feel your best during any season.

Treatment and Prevention Tips

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, SAD can be treated under four categories, including light therapy, psychotherapy, antidepressant medication and vitamin D. Other treatment options for SAD include:

• Being social with friends and family
• Going for a daily walk outdoors
• Physical activity
• Planning enjoyable activities

You're not alone in facing SAD. We're here for you every step of the way. To prevent SAD, we recommend incorporating a set of lifestyle changes during this time. Getting up earlier in the morning is an easy and practical way to get more exposure to sunlight. Another great practice is keeping your home clean. Doing this helps you relax and create a calming space. Incorporating certain lifestyle changes could make all the difference in preparing for SAD.

Get the Support You Need

We're here for you during every season of the year and every phase of life. You can trust that we'll care for all of you in body, mind and spirit. To find a provider who can help you navigate SAD or to schedule an appointment with one of our expert care providers, visit us here. You deserve to feel happy and whole.

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