Important Facts You Should Know about Seasonal Depression
Why do many people feel blue in winter? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is associated with changes in the weather, and is most common during winter time. For most people who struggle from this condition, the symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months. These include feeling moody and less energetic. If you or someone you know suffers from seasonal affective disorder, below are the following facts that are worth knowing. Learning about them can greatly improve healing and recovery from this debilitating mental illness.
If it becomes a yearly thing, consider getting diagnosed.
Sometimes, feeling blue isn’t just because of the weather. In most cases, SAD is a seasonal component of a more chronic, long-term mental illness like bipolar disorder and depression. If you think that SAD is becoming more of a yearly thing for you, consider getting checked. A mental health professional can help you determine the real cause of your depressive symptoms.
SAD doesn’t always occur in winter.
People with SAD feel sad during the shorter days of winter, and more energetic and cheerful comes the summer season. Even though it’s rare, some people do experience the condition in the spring or summertime. And they also experience similar symptoms, such as increased anxiety, agitation, and low mood. In addition, people with this disorder often experience headaches and changes in appetite
It’s a long-term struggle.
It takes more than just one winter depression for a person to be diagnosed with SAD. The symptoms and remission of the systems must have occurred during the last two consecutive years. Also, the seasonal depressive episodes must outnumber the non-seasonal depressive episodes in one’s lifetime.
It’s a complex condition.
Like all mental health conditions, SAD is complicated and as such and can be linked to many other mental illnesses, including obsessive compulsive disorder. Therefore, it requires thoughtful and effective treatment from a physician. SAD is a serious mental health condition but is treatable. Getting professional help is a crucial step.
SAD is more common among women.
Research suggests that women have higher rates of depression than men. Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean that this condition is unlikely to occur in men. Depression can affect anyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity or any biological factor.
Social support is necessary.
People who suffer from SAD can greatly benefit from seeking support from their friends, family and loved ones. Like any other mental illness, loved ones can provide emotional and psychological comfort that can strengthen your will to fight depression. Spending more time with cheery and positive people can help ease symptoms of depression.
It is normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you have been feeling down for weeks or months, and you can’t get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, it can be helpful to see your doctor. A therapist can help you understand the cause of your condition, and create strategies to overcome it.
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