Seasonal affective disorder can affect your ability to function. Before that happens, learn how to recognize the signs of seasonal affective disorder to seek help managing your symptoms.
According to Mental Health America, about 5% of the US population experiences seasonal depression. Symptoms can become so intense that they affect your ability to function. Before your quality of life declines, learn how to identify the signs of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Knowing the symptoms can ensure you seek help right away. Beginning treatment right away can help you avoid complications.
Want to avoid winter mood changes? Read on to improve your well-being while living in Spring, TX.
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression. Also called seasonal depression, SAD is triggered by changing seasons.People can experience winter or, less commonly, summer depression.
You may experience a mild version of SAD. The "winter blues" can cause you to feel a little down, especially if you're stuck inside.
SAD is a form of depression that can affect daily life.Similar to major depression, signs of seasonal affective disorder can include:
Contact a mental health professional if you experience these symptoms. Avoid self-diagnosing yourself. Otherwise, failing to seek treatment can lead to complications like:
Consult a mental health professional if you experience symptoms of SAD. Potential treatment options include:
Your health care provider may recommend medication for depression, in combination with light therapy and lifestyle changes.Light therapy involves using a box that emits 10,000 lux of light. You can self-treat for 20 to 30 minutes a day, immediately after waking up.
Bright light therapy is usually the first course of treatment for SAD. It mimics natural sunlight, which may help the body produce mind-boosting chemicals.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective for treating depression and SAD. During treatment, you'll learn how to recognize and manage your symptoms. Look for a specialist with experience treating mental wellness in aging seniors.
Your health care provider may recommend:
Try eating nutritious whole foods, including fruits and vegetables. Whole foods are high in phytonutrients that can act as antioxidants, protecting the body from oxidative stress.
They may reduce inflammation, which is associated with poor mood. You can find delicious, homemade meals through your senior living community's dining program.
Exercise can stimulate the release of endorphins, which have mood-improving benefits.Neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin may increase, which can improve your mood and well-being. Exercising also reduces stress hormones.
You can find fun exercise classes through your senior living community's fitness program. Try spending more time outside. Getting more sunlight exposure can stimulate serotonin production, which may improve your mood.
Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Getting adequate sleep helps the mind and body heal after a long day. Otherwise, inadequate sleep can affect your mood and ability to focus.
Make time for socializing. Spending time with friends can improve your mood and give you a sense of belonging. You can find opportunities to socialize through your community's events and activities calendar.
For most people with SAD, symptoms usually begin in the fall (October) and worsen around the end of daylight saving time. A more drastic decline may occur in November.
However, people can also get a rare form of SAD: "summer depression." This form of depression begins in the late spring or early summer. It ends at the beginning of fall.
As symptoms of SAD continue into the winter months, they may become their most severe in January or February.
On average, SAD lasts about five months of the year.
Unlike major depressive disorder, SAD has a seasonal pattern. It occurs predictably during the winter months. This predictable pattern can make it difficult to manage.
The criteria for diagnosing SAD are similar to the criteria for major depression. However, the seasonal pattern is a key indication that someone is struggling with seasonal affective disorder.
Doctors aren't certain what causes seasonal affective disorder. However, the lack of sunlight during the cold fall and winter months is a potential trigger.Other theories include:
Neurotransmitters like serotonin are brain chemicals. Sunlight helps regulate serotonin levels, which contributes to a positive mood. Getting less exposure to sunlight during the winter may contribute to SAD.
Melatonin is a natural hormone that affects sleep patterns. Getting less sunlight exposure can cause an overproduction, which can make you feel sluggish. You may start oversleeping.
Sunlight exposure also helps the body naturally stimulate vitamin D production. Vitamin D helps boost natural serotonin levels. A vitamin D deficiency may cause serotonin, and therefore your mood, to drop.
Don't let your seasonal mental health decline. Instead, seek emotional support for seniors if you experience these signs of seasonal affective disorder. Seeking treatment can help you avoid complications while improving your quality of life.
Remember, you can find helpful resources for mental wellness in aging seniors through your senior living community. Our recently renovated community, Paradise Springs Senior Living, offers inviting shared spaces and beautifully updated amenities.
Enjoy comfort, connection, and peace of mind through our exclusive senior living programs. These include chef-prepared meals with friendly restaurant-style table service and engaging activities like jewelry making and bean bag baseball. Contact us now to schedule your tour.