There are four seasons that happen during a year. Some people enjoy spring and fall while others enjoy summer and winter. Then there is this thing that tends to happen with time either springing forward or falling back an hour which throws everyone off. While these times and seasons can be enjoyable they can also cause people to struggle mentally. A lot of people do not know or understand why they are feeling sad or down during these times, they just know there is a shift in the way they function. The clinical term for this is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) better known as seasonal depression.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, (SAD), is depression that gets triggered by a change in seasons, usually when fall starts. This seasonal depression gets worse in the winter before ending in the spring.
There is a milder version such as “winter blues' ' that some people might experience during the colder months or “summer depression” during summer which is less common. However, SAD interrupts your daily functioning and normally last for a few months
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 5% of adults in the United States experience SAD. It tends to start in young adulthood. SAD affects women more than men, though researchers aren’t sure why. About 75% of people who get seasonal affective disorder are women. About 10% to 20% of people in America may get a milder form of the winter blues.
SAD is more common in younger people and women. SAD is normally experienced by people who also have other mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder, bipolar, anxiety, schizophrenia, ADHD, panic disorder and eating disorders. Also studies have shown that people who live in higher latitude areas and cloudy areas also are prone to experiencing SAD.
Although there are theories that suggest that biological clock change, changes in brain chemical balance, vitamin D deficiency, lack of melatonin, lack of sunlight and negative thoughts are causes of SAD, researchers do not know what exactly causes people to experience SAD.
SAD is a form of depression so symptoms can mirror those of depressive disorders. Some symptoms of depression just to name a few are sadness, irritability, lack of interest, thoughts of suicide, increase need of sleep, anxiety, etc. If you feel that you or a loved one are experiencing some of the above symptoms, please contact a mental health professional to get help. Niyyah Counseling PLLC has professional therapists who are always open to assisting and supporting you on your journey, Call today 817-435-2031.