Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is triggered by the change of seasons. It is most commonly noticed during the fall when the bright summer days are ending. This condition tends to appear when people are stuck indoors, and the daylight hours are decreasing.

Seasonal affective disorder is not just simply being down because of the winter season. This disorder is a form of depression that can affect daily living. Even though January and February are the signaling of a new year, these tend to be the months that see more occurrences of SAD. Seasonal affective disorder treatment is available once it has been diagnosed.

What are the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder?

The symptoms of SAD are similar to depression, but the difference is that this disorder is cyclic. This means that SAD returns each year during the winter. The most common symptoms can include:

• Increased sleep.
• Fatigue.
• Depression.
• Increased appetite.
• Relationship difficulties.
• Heavy feeling in arms or legs.
• Social withdrawal.
• Weight gain.
• Carbohydrate cravings.
• Feelings of hopelessness.
• Lowered energy.
• Lack of focus.
• Suicidal thoughts.

While these are the most common symptoms it is important to note that not everyone will experience these symptoms.

Who is at risk for Seasonal Affective Disorder?

There are a few indicators for those who may be at risk for SAD. It seems to be most common in women who are above twenty.

People who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or some other major depressive disorder are at a higher risk for SAD. Likewise, having family members who have been diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder is also a predictive risk factor.

Geographical location predicts a higher incidence of SAD. People who live farther from the equator and in cloudy regions are prone to develop SAD during the long winter months.

What are the typical causes of SAD?

There is not a definitive cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder, but chemical and seasonal changes are contributors. Some factors that are thought to contribute to it include:

Vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D regulates the production of serotonin when at lower levels, can cause a change in mood.

Biological clock changes.

Less sunlight does affect the biological clock. When the internal clock is out of step with the daily schedule it takes time to get back into sync.

Brain chemical imbalance.

The chemicals in the brain can be a factor in how the season can affect a person’s mood. Sunlight helps regulate serotonin and when it falls in the winter it can lead to depression.

Melatonin boost.

A lack of sunlight can boost melatonin levels which can disrupt a person’s sleep pattern. Of course, winter brings fewer daylight hours, depending on where you live.

Negative thought processes.

It has been noted that people with seasonal affective disorder often have stress and anxiety. This can also include negative thinking about the winter.

Diagnosing Seasonal Affective Disorder

There is no test for Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a rule-out diagnosis, meaning if your health provider suspects that you may be suffering from it, she will test for other conditions with similar symptoms. If no other conditions are discovered, they may conclude it is SAD.

To effectively diagnose Seasonal Affective Disorder, the person must experience at least five of the following symptoms for at least two weeks. One of those symptoms must be from the top two.

• Depression.
• Loss of interest in former activities.
• Sleeping too much or too little.
• Fatigue.
• Lack of concentration.
• Feelings of excessive guilt.
• Psychomotor agitation.
• Changes in weight and appetite (not connected to dieting).
• Suicidal thoughts.

Along with these symptoms, some factors must be present so that a seasonal pattern can be specified. Firstly, a pattern must be present throughout life that shows related seasonal depressive episodes that start and stop. Secondly, there must be two major depressive episodes that meet all the criteria without episodes occurring during other times of the year.

Treatment Options

Common seasonal affective disorder treatments include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or talk therapy, taking a Vitamin D supplement, light therapy, increasing time outdoors, and taking medications.

Once you have been diagnosed with SAD you can connect with a Christian counselor who can create a faith-based treatment plan. A combination of these treatments can make a difference in how you manage Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Conclusion

Most people tend to feel a little blue in the winter months when they are stuck indoors. However, some are at risk of developing intense depression that can affect their daily lives. If you or a loved one experiences severe depression during the winter months, please contact a Christian counselor near you. They can come up with an ideal treatment plan for your Seasonal Affective Disorder.

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  –  Psalm 27:1, ESV