SAD : Seasonal Depression --.
Dr. Anshul Mahajan
SAD is considered to be a sub-type of depression and is also called ‘seasonal depression’, ‘winter depression’ or ‘major depression with a seasonal pattern’. When someone has recurring episodes of depression that start and end in a seasonal pattern (usually coinciding with winter), they might have SAD.
SAD isn’t the same as feeling sad or experiencing grief. Sadness and grief are normal responses to the inevitable losses and disappointments in daily life, but having a form of depression is more than being sad or feeling grief after a loss. It is not something someone can “snap out” of.
Often there is no obvious reason why depression happens to someone, but with seasonal affective disorder, it is triggered or made worse by the change of seasons.
It is not:
• Just the “winter blahs”.
• “Just a phase” or something someone can “snap out of”.
• A sign or result of low intelligence or weakness.
• Always caused by an event or definitive “reason”.
Causes
Like all mental health issues, SAD is complicated and can be caused or triggered by any combination of factors:
• Genetic - A family history of SAD or another form of depression increases risk.
• Psychological - People who already have a mental illness are more likely to been impacted by seasonal changes and have SAD.
• Biological - Someone with pre-existing low levels of vitamin D may be more susceptible to experiencing SAD.
• Environmental factors - Living far away from the equator increases a person's risk for having SAD.
Signs and Symptoms
Depression can change how you feel physically, you’re thinking, your emotions and your behaviour, and with SAD, these changes are usually seen or made worse in a seasonal pattern.
Behaviour
not going out anymore
not getting things done at work/school
withdrawing from close family and friends
relying on alcohol and sedatives
not doing usual enjoyable activities
unable to concentrate
Feelings
overwhelmed
guilty
irritable
frustrated
lacking in confidence
unhappy
indecisive
disappointed
miserable
sad
Thoughts
'I’m a failure.'
'It’s my fault.'
'Nothing good ever happens to me.'
'I’m worthless.'
'Life’s not worth living.'
'People would be better off without me.'
Physical
tired all the time
sick and run down
headaches and muscle pains
churning gut
sleep problems
loss or change of appetite
significant weight loss or gain
Treatment for SAD may include a combination of strategies.
Medication, Therapy, Counselling, change in life style, diet
Help
Seasonal affective disorder is treatable.
If it is a friend you are concerned about, they may resist help or not even recognize that they need it. They might need you to make the first step.
As always, if you feel like your friend might hurt themselves or someone else, it’s time to call emergency services number 0161-4084666
Or contact at Manas Hospital Ludhiana.