As the seasons change, some people can be affected by seasonal depression (Picture: Getty)
Sunset at 5pm season is officially upon us, thanks to the clocks going back on Sunday.
While it was nice getting that extra hour of sleep or Halloween partying, the darker days can result in some darker feelings.
Say hello to your not so good pal, seasonal depression. Known clinically as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), it’s a type of depression directly linked to the change in seasons, especially in the winter.
Much like other depressive disorders, SAD can result in mood changes, sleeping difficulties, loss of daily enjoyment, feelings of hopelessness and generally feeling as doom and gloomy inside as it looks outside.
If you believe you or someone close to you is prone to the disorder, read on. While we don’t have a special cure, we do have this everything you need to know guide to help you cope.
What is the difference between SAD and depression?
Where depression can last for weeks, months, or, in some cases, years, SAD is mostly isolated to the colder months. Symptoms tend to begin around autumn and winter, then improve in spring and summer when there is more daylight.
SAD is mostly isolated to the colder months (Picture: Getty Images)
Pharmacist for Chemist4U Ian Budd, explains: ‘Sunlight plays a crucial role in helping the body produce vitamin D and maintain certain brain functions, including those regulating mood. Reduced sunlight may cause a drop in serotonin, a mood-stabilizing hormone, which can lead to feelings of sadness or low mood.’
Who is most commonly affected by seasonal depression?
Unfortunately, everyone can be susceptible to SAD, and your risk of being affected by it is higher for those who have previous experience with anxiety or depression.
According to psychotherapist Somia Zaman ‘SAD is very different to just feeling a bit low because it’s winter and it’s cold and dark and miserable,’ as ‘it is a clinical disorder that can affect people quite severely.’
How long does SAD last?
For recurrent SAD suffers, they commonly report symptoms occurring for four to five months of the year. But like with any form of depression, there is no one size fits all.
While some may experience it for mere weeks, others may be prone to it from the very beginning of autumn through the early days of spring.
SAD can last for weeks, months or for some even longer (Picture: Getty Images)
And that is just winter-pattern SAD, also known as winter depression. As it turns out, these feelings aren’t just isolated to the colder months, in some rare cases, they can begin around spring and last through to autumn, which is known as summer-pattern SAD or summer depression.
How to beat seasonal depression
Budd reveals that there are multiple things you can do to help beat seasonal depression, including moving your body, eating right, sticking to a sleep routine and staying connected.
’Engaging in regular physical activity is a natural way to lift your …read more
Source:: Metro
