Seasonal Affective Disorder: The symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) include low energy, excessive sleep, cravings for carbohydrates, social withdrawal, and persistent feelings of sadness and lethargy throughout most of the day.
While many believe this condition is confined to winter, SAD can also occur in spring and summer.
6 Misconceptions About Seasonal Affective Disorder
December Awareness Month For SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder, December is a time to raise awareness about Seasonal Affective Disorder, and for good reason: days are shorter, the longest night of the year occurs this month, the weather is cold, and the sky is often overcast. Many people return home from work after sunset, enveloped in darkness.
While these seasonal changes are bothersome for many, approximately 5% of adults and children in the U.S. experience a clinical form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), as reported by Yahoo Life. SAD symptoms include reduced energy, excessive sleep, carbohydrate cravings, social avoidance, and pervasive sadness or lethargy.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, Some mild feelings of sadness or low energy during the colder months are common, leading to the misconception that SAD is merely “winter blues.” Additionally, there is a widespread belief that this disorder only affects individuals during the cold months. However, some people also experience SAD in spring and summer.
Below, experts clarify common misconceptions about SAD and explain why understanding this condition is crucial.
Misconception 1: SAD Is Just “Winter Blues”
Seasonal Affective Disorder, Many may feel slightly down when the sun sets at 4 PM and cold, dark weather limits outdoor activities. However, not everyone experiencing such feelings has SAD.
SAD is a diagnosable mental health condition that impacts various aspects of an individual’s life. It differs significantly from temporary sadness or winter blues.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, This condition is more than just feeling low during winter. SAD is a type of clinical depression rooted in neurological changes, affecting mood, energy, sleep, appetite, and social behavior, requiring professional intervention.
Misconception 2: SAD Only Happens In Cold, Dark Weather
Seasonal Affective Disorder, Most people associate SAD with late autumn and winter when days shorten and temperatures drop. However, SAD isn’t limited to cold, dark seasons. It can occur under various conditions.
According to Attiya Awadallah, a psychotherapist and founder of Lenora Counseling, the primary trigger for SAD symptoms is changes in daylight hours, not merely cold weather. Even in sunny regions, individuals can develop SAD due to how the brain reacts to seasonal light variations, disrupting serotonin and melatonin production.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, While winter SAD is the most common form, some individuals suffer from summer SAD. This subtype arises during brighter, warmer months and stems from longer daylight hours, extreme heat, and disruptions to the body’s circadian rhythm, which can affect sleep, energy, and emotional stability.
For those with winter SAD, increased melatonin and reduced serotonin lead to fatigue and depressive symptoms. Conversely, in summer SAD, decreased melatonin might disrupt sleep, while excessive heat and shorter nights exacerbate symptoms.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, Factors like genetics or heightened sensitivity to seasonal changes also contribute to SAD, even in sunny locales. People spending prolonged periods indoors away from natural light are particularly vulnerable.
Misconception 3: SAD Only Affects Mood
Seasonal Affective Disorder, Though SAD often manifests as feelings of sadness or depression, its effects extend beyond mood.
In summer SAD, symptoms such as insomnia, reduced appetite, and irritability are common. Meanwhile, winter SAD may result in excessive daytime sleepiness, low energy, and carbohydrate cravings, often leading to weight gain. These physical changes reflect the brain’s attempts to adapt to seasonal light shifts and reduced serotonin levels, which influence not only mood but also sleep, digestion, bone health, libido, and more.
Awadallah also highlights emerging research suggesting that changes in immune function and inflammation may contribute to the fatigue and cognitive symptoms associated with SAD.
Misconception 4: Light Therapy Is A Quick Fix For SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder, Although light therapy is effective for many individuals with SAD, it is neither a quick nor comprehensive solution. Its effectiveness varies among individuals, and like other treatments, it requires consistency and time to produce results.
Experts recommend combining light therapy with other interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), regular physical activity, good sleep hygiene, and fostering social connections for better outcomes.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, Awadallah also emphasizes the importance of a nutritious diet and overall mental health care to manage SAD symptoms effectively.
Misconception 5: SAD Is A Temporary Seasonal Issue
Seasonal Affective Disorder, For those with SAD, seasons marked by this disorder can feel long and exhausting.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, SAD symptoms typically persist for up to 40% of the year, distinguishing it from transient or short-lived feelings of sadness or low energy.
Misconception 6: SAD Can Be Managed Alone
Seasonal Affective Disorder, Addressing SAD involves various lifestyle adjustments, including behavioral and therapeutic changes. It also requires support from others to manage effectively. Unfortunately, spending time with others may not be as simple as it seems for those with SAD.
Depression often diminishes the ability to enjoy activities, leaves individuals with low energy, and creates feelings of being a burden, all of which can lead to social isolation. Awadallah explains, “Social withdrawal is common in SAD, but isolation worsens symptoms. Psychologically, withdrawing from social interactions removes a critical source of positive reinforcement necessary for mood stabilization.”
Seasonal Affective Disorder, Awadallah encourages her patients to practice behavioral activation, a skill that involves pushing oneself to engage in activities they usually enjoy, such as meeting a friend for coffee or taking a walk, with the understanding that motivation and improved mood will follow.
Most importantly, individuals experiencing SAD symptoms should consult a healthcare professional. A mental health specialist can offer treatment options and coping strategies to prepare for challenging seasons ahead.
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