HealthNews Dozen: 12 Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder

The time of year is approaching that people may begin to experience the symptoms of seasonal depression, commonly known as season affective disorder with the appropriate acronym of SAD. With the seasons changing from summer to autumn and winter, many people notice a change in their moods and feelings as the amount of daylight decreases, a chill enters the air, weather becomes more inclement, and the holidays approach. Though minor signs of SAD can be attributed to simple winter melancholy, a compilation of symptoms and the severity of them can indicate that SAD has set in.

People often brush off SAD signs so as not to acknowledge depression or something with the “disorder” name attached, but several of the symptoms combined can lead to a serious depression that closes a person off from friends and family, leads to weight gain and other health concerns, and can engulf a person into a dangerous mental state. Therefore, several symptoms are enough to warrant a discussion with a doctor about preventative measures, such as therapy, light treatments, or a medication for stabilization.

SAD can be caused by a simple aversion to the cold, darkness, and trying weather conditions, but often it’s more complicated. Not only does a person’s biological clock actually change with the seasons, altering the circadian rhythm of one’s body and causing a depressive state, But such a change, especially for those with mental health concerns, can also alter the levels of melatonin levels in the body, causing sleep and mood disorders. And the lack of prominent sunlight can cause a decrease in serotonin, another factor that contributes to depression.

The primary symptom of SAD is recurring feelings from year to year. If a number of the symptoms on the list are familiar and ones that seem to become prominent at the same time each year, it becomes all the more important to discuss this with a doctor, as a mild solution may be allow the person to escape another entire season of depression, low productivity, and other effects of the disorder.

Those seeing the symptoms for the first time can slowly begin to tell that there is a change in their behaviors. The most obvious alterations are too much sleep and a change in appetite. Not only do many people find themselves eating too much and having particular cravings for foods high in carbohydrates, but a subsequent weight gain can also result. Add that to oversleeping and feeling tired throughout the day, and one has classic signs of SAD.

Other less obvious symptoms of seasonal depression include difficulties in concentration, information processing, remembering things, and wanting to be social. Many SAD sufferers get frustrated easily, leading them to a lower level of productivity, as well as a tendency to withdraw from social situations in order to be alone or sleep. There can also be a noticeable decrease to one’s sex drive, which goes along with feeling hopeless and sad.

Extreme cases of SAD can cause suicidal tendencies and manic effects in others. Suicidal tendencies are rare unless there are other depressive issues in play, however, and manic exhibitions in which people suddenly act opposite of the listed symptoms in an uncharacteristic manner can be the sign of a bipolar disorder. A medical professional should be consulted—or recommended if seeing the signs in a friend—in either of these cases.