Are you sad or do you have SAD?

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also referred to as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) due to seasonal changes. This is seen more commonly in women, adolescents, and young adults.

Individuals usually experience this condition more in the winter than in the summer. Weather conditions where nights are longer due to high altitudes or there is little sunlight can trigger SAD. It is believed that it all comes down to light. Exposure to a lack of light disturbs our natural body clock which is responsible for regulating hormones, mood and sleep patterns. It is also said that light-dependent chemicals are affected by sad. People who have a family history of psychological issues may also be prone to developing SAD.

There are a number of ways to detect the possibility that one is suffering from SAD. The main tell-all factors for SAD in the winter are daytime fatigue, low concentration levels, feeling hopeless, irritability, reduced interest in social life, lethargy, unhappiness, and weight gain. In the summer, symptoms of SAD could be agitation, difficulty in sleeping, feeling restless, a lack of appetite and weight loss. If the individual is suffering from a severe case of SAD, they may experience suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Seasonal Affective Disorder can often be misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder, hypothyroidism, or mononucleosis. Thus you may have to go through a series of tests to be accurately diagnosed.

Now for the main question. How can this be treated? Both forms of SAD, summer as well as winter can be treated with counseling and therapy. Alternative therapy for winter SAD is light therapy. Here, the individual is subjected to a specialized lightbox or visor that replicates natural light for around 30 minutes every day. This type of therapy is only recommended to be used under the doctor’s direct supervision. Other light sources such as tanning beds are not a healthy or accurate alternative to this therapy. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can also treat SAD. One should follow a healthy diet with lean protein, fruits, and vegetables, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep every night. Some patients may also be treated with medication.

SMBT hopes this blog has been informative for you to accurately determine and detect any possibilities of you or somebody you know suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder. For more informative blogs, stay tuned to https://smbttrust.blogspot.com/