Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mental health condition that can regularly occur during certain times of the year. The two types of SAD are spring-summer onset and fall-winter onset. The most common symptom of SAD is depression. Spring-summer onset is characterized by depression that begins in the summer and if left untreated improves in the fall or winter. Other typical spring -summer symptoms include insomnia, decreased sleep, decreased appetite and decreased weight. Fall-winter onset, which begins the in the fall and if left untreated improves in the spring, has symptoms that include the common signs of depression such as feeling sad, hopeless and tired. People may also experience lost interest in pleasurable activities and a decreased ability to concentrate. Other symptoms commonly seen in the fall-winter onset are increased fatigue, increased sleep and increased consumption of carbohydrates.
Strangely enough, in South Florida, spring-summer SAD may be more common. Perhaps because the weather can be considered less desirable and some people leave for the hot weather months and connections with others may drop. If you find yourself feeling depressed and wonder if it may be connected to SAD, effective treatment includes anti-depressant medication, light therapy and counseling. Along with treatment, the following healthy habits are recommended:
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene – keep a regular sleep schedule, stay in bed only for sleep, turn the lights in your home lower as you get closer to bedtime, avoid using light emitting screens (TV, computer, tablet) an hour before bed, and limit caffeinated beverages after lunchtime.
Walk Outside Daily – the light emitted from the sun is more effective than even light from a light machine at lifting your mood.
Regular Exercise – Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week. Not only will exercise lift your mood, it will also improve your sleep.
Counseling for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Most people respond best to SAD with some counseling, so be sure and see a therapist to help you decide which course of treatment will be most effective for you. Since SAD can reoccur on a yearly basis, some people will want to be ready to resume counseling and treatment for SAD when symptoms reappear. If you feel depressed and wonder if you may be suffering from SAD, contact Elizabeth Pankey-Warren for psychotherapy or call 561 866-6607.
Adapted from an article, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Ellen Frazier, Nurse Practitioner, Normandy Farms Estates. PA.