There are a great number of depression variations that affect people for many different reasons. Some depression is caused by stress, some by hormonal or chemical imbalances and some depression is caused by the uncontrollable change in seasons. This is known as seasonal depression and it comes around at the same time every year. Seasonal depression is better known as Seasonal Affective Disorder and is recognized by the acronym SAD. It typically starts in the fall or winter and ends in the spring, but there is also a rare form of SAD that begins in the late spring or early summer and ends in the fall.
Causes of Seasonal Depression
Seasonal depression is thought to be caused by the changes in the length of the day. When the days become shorter in the cooler seasons, people who are affected by SAD have a difficult time adjusting which leads them to depression. These individuals have an exceptionally difficult time adjusting to these changes and are usually photosensitive. Their bodies enter a sort of ‘depressive hibernation’ that behaves like an animal’s hibernation period with light symptoms at the beginning and end that worsen toward the middle of the season. There may be some chemical or hormonal imbalance caused by this shift but the real mechanism is unknown. People who are not affected by seasonal depression assume it is just a bad case of ‘winter blues’ or that you are suffering from ‘cabin fever’. People with the disorder know that this is more than just feeling low, it is depression and it is hard to get over.
There are two major theories about the causes of SAD. One is that decreases sunlight knocks the biological clock off kilter and makes a mess of regulation of mood, sleep, and hormones. All the normal functions become delayed causing a slowing of the mind and body and symptoms of depression. The other theory is that neurotransmitters for serotonin are not aligned properly in people who have SAD but that sunlight exposure can work to correct this alignment.
Symptoms of Seasonal Depression
Anyone who has experienced SAD can attest to having been through a serious battle with depression. Common symptoms include sadness, anxiety, withdrawal and irritability. In addition, you may experience:
Fatigue
Increased need for sleep
Decreased energy levels
Weight gain
Increase in appetite
Difficulty concentrating
Increased desire to be alone
Carbohydrate cravings
Conversely, summer SAD is marked by weight loss, insomnia and a decreased appetite.
People Affected
About 5% of all Americans suffer from serious seasonal depression, up to 20% experience a milder form or ‘winter blues’. Most sufferers are women between their 20s and 40s, though it can strike earlier. As people age, they are less likely to experience seasonal depression.
Interestingly, people who live at the top and bottom of the world seem most affected by these changes because the changes in seasons are more pronounced and prolonged. For example, living in Texas will give a lower likely hood of experiencing seasonal depression than living in Alaska.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A mental health professional will have to evaluate you to diagnose seasonal depression. It is not recommended that you attempt to diagnose yourself without the proper training and education. There can be physical and medical reasons for depression symptoms and all aspects of your life will have to be discussed before a diagnosis is reached. Once you have been diagnosed with seasonal depression, the doctor will likely recommend a combination therapy of light and medications. It is often recommended that you spend additional time outside to have natural light or be near sunlit windows as often as possible.
Light Therapy
Light, or photo, therapy is given by making use of a machine with white fluorescent tube lights with UV protection. The machine gives off at least 10,000 Lux (amount of light emitted) and all you have to do is sit with the device within 3 feet of you for 30 minutes daily for the entire SAD season. This could be done while eating or relaxing and is best tolerated in the morning to avoid insomnia. Most people who suffer from seasonal depression benefit from this treatment. Minor side effects include:
