It is getting to be that time of year where people typically get more gloomy because of the weather, and the seasons changing. Not only do people tend to get allergies or aches/pains, their personalities or moods can change. I have to thank a friend of mine for bringing this disorder to my attention because we were talking about how the weather makes us both kind of “blah” because of the lack of sunshine and it becoming more and more cold outside. Neither one of us has been diagnosed with “Seasonal Affective Disorder” and I don’t believe I have it and neither does she, but it brought up a good point because this isn’t a disorder that I hear much about until it gets to be about this time of year – even then, I don’t think a whole lot of people think twice about it. I decided to do some research and learn something new about a disorder and hopefully share what I have learned with all of you, BUT I always appreciate it more when it comes from someone who has the experience because it is more realistic and more personal – so if you have something to add to this, please do in the comment section 🙂
First things first, what is seasonal affective disorder? In simple terms, it is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons. Most often occurs in the early fall/winter and usually ends sometime around spring/summer. Clearly not everyone loves the cold weather but it doesn’t mean you have seasonal affective disorder. With this being said, I have some fun information below:
Word of caution: This disorder is not considered as a separate disorder. In order for someone to be diagnosed with SAD, they have to meet the full criteria or major depression coinciding with specific seasons for ATLEAST 2 years. This means it needs to be more frequent compared to other depressions. So having said this, there are reasons for why someone would be diagnosed with this, this isn’t just somebody who doesn’t like winter or cold weather – more goes into a diagnosis.
Signs/symptoms:
Winter Pattern:
- Low energy
- hypersomnia
- overeating
- weight gain
- craving for carbohydrates
- social withdrawal
Summer SAD:
- poor appetite /weight loss
- insomnia
- agitation
- restlessness
- anxiety
- episodes of violent behavior
Then also consider some of the major depression signs/symptoms along with these.
Risk Factors Associated with SAD
- Females are diagnosed more often than men with this disorder (lucky us ladies!, lol)
- Living further from the equator
- Family history of depression
- Younger age
Treatment options:
- Medication
- light therapy
- psychotherapy
- Vitamin D
With this being said, Vitamin D supplements haven’t been 100 percent proven to treat seasonal affective disorder, but having more time in the sunlight seems to help and taking the supplements is neither here or there in research.. depending on the individual. Now there may be new treatments available or perhaps more treatments I have not listed, and so share them if you will. If you have your own way of dealing with SAD, please share it for my readers and so I can also learn something as well. Thank you for reading, please feel free to share, like, reblog, and follow!
Fitness WonderWoman,
Shay-lon
Be the best version of you 
Love this post because not a lot of people know about SAD and a lot of people don’t even realise they have it because their symptoms are so mild. From what I’ve learnt medication or therapy would be the best way to deal with the symptoms although some people tend to use herbal medication for their symptoms instead of western medication due to the side effects.
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