Winter months get some people down more than others. While you may brush it off as ‘winter blues,’ it may indicate a medical condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) for some people. It is a type of depression that is correlated with the change in season. Occurring more during winter than in summer, SAD affects approximately 11 million people in the United States of America alone. A more significant number of people may experience a milder form, usually referred to as ‘winter blues.’ It is also referred to as major depressive disorder (MDD). Visit Health Canal to read more information about the symptom.

The Symptoms Of SAD

Women and adolescents are more at risk for Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you notice that the same pattern of the feeling of sadness or hopelessness affects you every winter, and the way continues, then you may have SAD. Usually, the symptoms show up during early winter or late fall and aggravate during the winter months. Some common symptoms associated with SAD are as follows:

• A feeling of depression for most of the day.
• Social withdrawal and loss of interest in activities you may enjoy otherwise.
• Having low energy and feeling tired, and being constantly agitated.
• Greater or less appetite.
• Trouble feeling asleep or oversleeping.
• Weight gain.
• Frequent thoughts of self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
• Trouble concentrating affecting studies or work.
• More desire to be alone.

The symptoms for winter SAD may be from that of summer SAD. Summer SAD, though, is less common than winter SAD. Its symptoms are agitation, weight loss, poor appetite, and weight loss. People with summer Seasonal affective depression usually face trouble sleeping or insomnia.

The Causes Of Seasonal Affective Disorder

The causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder are not explicitly known. However, some research has indicated the following as possible causes for SAD.

• Your biological clock (circadian rhythm) – The reduced level of sunlight during the winter months may disrupt the internal body clock. Especially people who live far from the equator in the northern and southern hemispheres may receive less sunlight during the winter months.
• Serotonin Levels – People with Seasonal affective disease may have low levels of serotonin. It is a brain chemical or neurotransmitter related to mood and might also have a role in instigating Seasonal Affective Disorder. Reduced sunlight is related to low levels of serotonin.
• Melatonin Levels – The change in season may also affect your body’s melatonin levels, affecting your sleeping patterns.

The Risk Factors

People with bipolar diseases may experience symptoms of mania or hypomania during summer and the winter and can bring in depression. Symptoms of depression may worsen during seasonal changes from summer to winter and vice versa.

Significant risks involve severe symptoms of depression, suicidal tendencies, and substance abuse. It is essential to see a doctor if you notice that your eating and sleeping patterns have changed drastically. You cannot motivate yourself to work. Things may turn serious if you turn to substance abuse and alcohol for comfort or relaxation. Seek medical advice immediately if you feel helpless and contemplate suicide.

Treatment For Seasonal Affective Disorder

Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder may differ from one person to another. Depending on the severity of your condition and if you have any other form of bipolar disease or depression.

Traditional antidepressants are prescribed for seasonal depression. FDA approves Bupropion XL to prevent significant periods of seasonal depression.

Along with traditional medication, you may also include lifestyle changes for preventing or controlling the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. They are as follows.

• Take morning walks.
• Spend time outdoors.
• Indulge in hobbies.
• Listen to music.
• Exercise or practice yoga.
• Maintain a diet.
• Maintain social connection.

You can also use Kratom. The herb is known to alleviate depression. The mitragynine present in Kratom helps improve mood and relieve pain. You can procure the herb from https://www.healthcanal.com/best/262029-kratom-vendors.html.

In some cases, antidepressant medication is necessary. Another method of treatment is light therapy or phototherapy. It can bring substantial differences among patients.

More About Light Therapy

In recent times, light therapy or phototherapy has become one of the potential treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Light affects the biological clock in the brain, which also impacts your moods. Light is a natural antidepressant. As the winter months have less natural light, it may hamper the circadian rhyme of the body and cause depression.

Light therapy includes a full-spectrum bright light. It indirectly beams into your eyes. The light is about 20 times brighter than room lighting, and the patient should sit 2- feet away. The therapy may start with 10 to 15 minutes sessions per day. It gradually increases to 30 to 45 minutes a day. The time and duration of the treatment may differ according to the severity of the depression.

There is no potential risk involved with light therapy. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may consult your dermatologist before the treatment. Most people show marked improvement within a few days of treatment. However, if the condition persists, you may have to go for a more detailed analysis of your situation.

Lastly, stay aware; even if you notice early symptoms that refuse to go, seek timely treatment. The bright thing about Seasonal Affective Disorder is that it is manageable.