There’s much to look forward to when winter begins. Outdoor enthusiasts may relish a return to the slopes to ski or snowboard each winter, while others praise the crisp fresh air and lack of insects as more conducive to activities like hiking.
Winter indeed has plenty to offer, but some people find that less daylight has an adverse effect on their mood. The National Institutes of Mental Health notes that shifts in mood and behavior that align with changes in the seasons could be indicative of seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD.
What is SAD?
Johns Hopkins Medicine characterizes SAD as a form of depression in which individuals’ mood and behavior changes when the seasons change. The NIMH notes SAD is sometimes referred to as the “winter blues.”
Is SAD exclusive to winter?
Though SAD can affect people at any time of year, the NIMH reports that most cases of SAD start to affect people in late fall or early winter before symptoms begin to subside during the spring and summer. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes researchers believe the shorter days and thus fewer hours of daylight that occur each winter set off a chemical change in the brain that leads to a person experiencing symptoms of depression.
What are the symptoms of SAD?
The NIMH points out that, since SAD is a type of depression, symptoms of the condition include those associated with depression. Such symptoms include:
• A persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood most of the day. This occurs every day for at least two weeks.
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of irritability, frustration or restlessness
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Loss of energy or feelings of fatigue. Some also feel as if they have slowed down.
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes
• Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that have no explanation and do not subside even after treatment
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts or thoughts about death It’s important to note that the above are symptoms of depression that people with SAD may experience. Additional symptoms of winter-pattern SAD include:
• Hypersomnia, or oversleeping
• Overeating that leads to weight gain. The NIMH notes people with SAD may have a particular craving for carbohydrates.
• Social withdrawal
How is SAD treated?
People who suspect they have SAD are urged to speak with their physicians. Various treatments, including light therapy, psychotherapy or antidepressant medications, can help to treat SAD. Individuals may also be prescribed vitamin D supplements.
Can I prevent SAD?
The NIMH notes that since SAD is tied to seasonal changes, people can take steps in an effort to prevent it. Starting treatments prior to a change in seasons may help.
Many people experience difficulty when fall transitions to winter, and such troubles may be attributable to SAD. More information about SAD is available at www.nimh. nih.gov.
