Winter is around the corner again (always too soon), bringing all the gray skies and short days it can muster. While the smell of pumpkin spice and the joy of Halloween are still in the air, so too is the spookiest thing of all: Seasonal Affective Disorder. Those of us who struggle with it know how daunting it can be. Those who’ve never dealt with it may not understand what we’re dealing with this time of year. Today, we’ll discuss 16 quick facts about SAD, including how it affects people, why it happens, and what we can do to feel better.
Symptoms
SAD can make us feel irritable, sad, or hopeless. We might struggle to concentrate, lose interest in activities we once enjoyed, and experience changes in appetite and sleep.
The Winter Blues vs. SAD
Feeling down during gray, dreary wintertime is common. But SAD is more than just feeling “blah” < it’s a clinical condition with distinct symptoms. Occasionally, SAD can happen during the summer, too.
Prevalence of SAD
SAD affects approximately 5% of the US population. That’s 16.5 million people. Symptoms last for up to 40% of the year.
Gender Gap
SAD is more common in women, occurring four times more often than in men. Social and hormonal differences may influence this gap.
Age Matters
SAD often begins in early adulthood, but it can affect people of all ages. The average age it first appears is between 18 and 30.
Geographic Influence
The rate of SAD is higher in northern regions with less sunlight, like Oslo, Norway, where 14% of people experience it.
Sunlight and Serotonin
One theory is that a decrease in serotonin levels (aka ‘the happy chemical’) may cause SAD. The lack of sunlight during the winter may cause this decrease.
Melatonin and Sleep Patterns
Decreased sunlight can cause increased melatonin production. This disrupts our circadian rhythm, leading to symptoms like fatigue and oversleeping.
First Discovery
SAD was first formally described in 1984 by Norman E. Rosenthal, a psychiatrist who was personally affected by the condition. His research paved the way for understanding and treating SAD.
Vitamin D Connection
Low vitamin D has been linked to SAD, as sunlight helps the body produce this essential nutrient. Some individuals with SAD benefit from taking vitamin D supplements. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider first, as too much vitamin D can be harmful.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy, or light therapy, is a common treatment for SAD. Patients sit in front of a specialized light box that mimics natural sunlight, helping reduce symptoms.
Medication Options
In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe antidepressant medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to manage SAD symptoms.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people with SAD build coping strategies and challenge negative thought patterns. UCA’s 24-Hour Counseling Hotline connects people to therapists who can provide effective CBT tools for dealing with SAD.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Simple lifestyle changes, like exercising regularly, managing stress, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule may ease SAD’s impact.
Impact on Relationships
SAD can strain relationships due to mood fluctuations and reduced energy levels. Communication and support are crucial for those affected and their loved ones.
Personalized Treatment
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to SAD treatment. We may need to experiment with different therapies to find what works best.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2686645/
Van Eyck, A., Eelen, Y., Van Hoorenbeeck, K., & Verhulst, S. (2015). C70 SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING IN PEDIATRIC AND ADULT MEDICAL DISORDERS: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome And Vitamin D Levels In Obese Children And Adolescents. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 191, 1.