SAD? Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

As the seasons change does your mood change considerably? You’re not the only one. 

Most people are much more active and cheery in the summer than in winter. Even animals opt to hibernate during the colder months. But have you ever wondered why you feel a little more sluggish and slow as the weather changes? 

Learn about Seasonal Affective Disorder to know how seasons affect your mood and when to seek professional help. 

What is SAD?

SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a type of clinical depression that follows a seasonal pattern. In other words, individuals experience depressive episodes at the same time of the year (or season) for at least two years. 

Usually, depressive symptoms appear during the winter months, with reduced daylight hours, and improve with the arrival of summer. Though less common, some people may also experience SAD in the summer.

SAD is more than just 'winter blues'. As a subtype of clinical depression, it can cause significant distress to an individual. Hence, learning more about this depressive disorder subtype is crucial for managing its symptoms.

Also read: How Will Therapy and Psychiatry Benefit Me?

Symptoms of SAD

Most people don't feel the toll of SAD symptoms until the middle of winter. It's easy to brush off a 'seasonal funk' and gloomy mood, but if it affects your daily life, it's best to speak to a mental health professional.

As SAD is a type of depression, their symptoms are similar. However, symptoms may vary depending on the season and from person to person. 

Common SAD symptoms

• Persistent low mood during the winter months

• Decreased energy levels or feeling sluggish

• Losing interest in previously pleasurable activities

• Changes in sleep pattern, mainly oversleeping

• Changes in weight and appetite, such as overeating or craving carbohydrates 

• Issues with focussing 

• Feeling stressed or anxious

Winter-specific SAD symptoms:

• Oversleeping

• Craving carbohydrates

• Gaining weight

• Low energy

Summer-specific SAD symptoms

• Insomnia

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss

• Increased irritability

Generally, SAD is more common among young adults, aged 18 to 30. Research also suggests gender differences in SAD, it tends to be more common in women than men. 

Also read: 7 Tips to Deal With Seasonal Depression

Causes of SAD

Understanding SAD and its causes still require some research. But, a complex interplay of various factors likely contributes to it. Common causes suggested by researchers are:

• Circadian rhythm: Everyone has a biological clock, known as circadian rhythm, that helps regulate their sleep, mood, and hormone levels. But, with decreased sunlight, your biological clock shifts, making you feel out of step. 

• Serotonin levels: Serotonin is a brain chemical (called a neurotransmitter) that affects your mood. Since sunlight helps in regulating serotonin levels, it may play a role in SAD. As sunlight reduces, your serotonin levels drop, leading to depressive symptoms.

• Decrease in Vitamin D: Serotonin levels receive a boost from vitamin D. With less sunlight in the winter, vitamin D deficiencies are common. This change can explain the low mood during winter due to fluctuating serotonin. 

• Melatonin levels: Another brain chemical that plays a role in SAD is melatonin. It plays a role in regulating sleep patterns and mood. As the seasons change, your body's balance of melatonin may also fluctuate due to a lack of sunlight. Less sunlight stimulates melatonin overproduction, making you feel sluggish and sleepy. 

Risk Factors and Diagnosis for SAD

Generally, symptoms of SAD must be present for at least two years. Although low mood and energy levels on some days is normal, if you feel unmotivated for days, it is best to talk to someone. Remember, only a qualified mental health professional can assess your symptoms and give you a formal diagnosis. 

Besides age and gender, other factors can put you at an increased risk for SAD. These include:

• Having another mood disorder, such as bipolar mood disorder or clinical depression. 

• Having a family history of blood relatives diagnosed with SAD or other mental health conditions.

• Living far from the equator, where winter days are much shorter than summers.

• Vitamin D deficiency in winter can affect your serotonin levels leading to low mood. 

Also read: How Do I Talk To Someone About My Depression Or Anxiety?

While winter feels gloomy for most people, in some cases it may signal a deeper issue. For some, changing seasons can bring about depressive episodes that can severely impact their daily lives. If you feel you're affected by seasonal depression, it is best to reach out to a mental health professional.