Seasonal affective disorder
(SAD) refers to a kind of depression that comes about each year during the same period of time, for example in Winter or Summer. The symptoms of this disorder usually start in the Fall and continue throughout Winter; draining you of all energy and making you moody. It is on rare occasions that the depression associated with this disorder can occur during Spring or Summer. At times, the symptoms in either case can start out mildly and gradually escalate in severity throughout the season.
Fall and winter symptoms (winter depression)
- Depression
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Social withdrawal
- Mood swings
- Low energy levels
- Lack of enjoyment in the things you once enjoyed
- Difficulty in concentrating which can affect your performance at school
- Changes in eating habits; one may tend to overeat or eat specific kinds of foods such as carbohydrates only. This can lead to weight gain, exacerbating the negative feelings.
Spring and summer symptoms (summer depression)
- Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
- Irritability
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Increased sex drive
Causes
The main cause of Seasonal affective disorder is unknown. However, the factors listed below are believed to lead to the manifestation of this disorder:
- Biological clock
This internal clock that helps you decide on when to sleep or wake up is disrupted during the Fall and Winter when there are reduced levels of sunlight. This disruption can lead to depression.
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Melatonin levels
This hormone is produced in large quantities during Winter and Fall and it can make you feel sleepy and lethargic.
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Serotonin levels
Reduced sunlight can lead to the serotonin levels lowering, which can trigger depression.
Treatment of SAD
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Increased exposure to light
Since the symptoms of this disorder are triggered due to lack of sunlight or light, people with mild SAD are encouraged to spend more time outdoors during the day. Fixing of full spectrum light bulbs in lamps to bring more daylight in the house during winter can also do the trick.
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Light therapy
This form of therapy is recommended for those people exhibiting strong symptoms. Special lights are used to simulate daylight; the process involves a special light box being placed on top of a table and the person receiving treatment is supposed to sit in front of the table for a period of time, approximately 45 minutes every day. In order for the treatment to work, the patient should look directly into the light from time to time during the therapy. This therapy must be performed under the supervision of a doctor.
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Talk therapy
Focuses on revising negative thoughts that are associated with depression in order to ease the sense of loneliness that is linked to depression. It can also help to learn more about the disorder and be able to prevent future outbreaks of its symptoms.
Medication
Antidepressants can be prescribed for teens to regulate or balance the hormones in the body such as serotonin that can affect your mood and energy. These medications should only be prescribed by a doctor as well as monitored by one. Before taking these prescriptions, you should let your doctor know if you were already taking other medications for depression. The doctor will know what to do so that these medicines do not interfere with the one he/she prescribes.
To be able to deal with seasonal affective disorder
The following steps are suggested when dealing with seasonal affective disorder:
- Take medication as prescribed by a doctor,
- Exercise regularly; exercise gets the blood flowing and is a good mood booster,
- Spend time with loved ones; being with people who care about you and understand what you are going through can assist in overcoming this condition,
- Try and maintain a healthy diet; get creative with your food and attempt to include healthier options in all meals.
