What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? (S.A.D)
SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, is a form of depression that occurs when there is a seasonal change. We often think about seasonal depression in the seasons of fall and winter. This is because most of those who experience seasonal depression do so when the days get shorter and colder. Individuals who suffer from SAD in the fall and winter months will often have symptoms such as oversleeping, loss of energy, weight gain and loss of interest in enjoyable activities. Although seasonal depression occurs for some during fall and winter months, SAD during spring and summer is not uncommon.
Like seasonal depression that occurs in the colder months, individuals with seasonal affective disorder in the spring and summer months can also feel a loss of interest in activities they enjoy and low energy. Symptoms of summer seasonal depression also include weight loss, difficulty sleeping and anxiety. Though summer is usually seen as a time of relaxation, for many individuals with SAD, it can be a difficult time filled with frustration. Stressors such as changes in routine, extra financial responsibilities, increased time with extended family members and pressures to obtain swimsuit ready bodies can all contribute to seasonal affective disorder in the summertime.
Society’s emphasis that summer is filled with good times can further ignite feelings of shame and spark depression, encouraging isolation in those with SAD. It’s important for individuals who suffer from summer onset of SAD to understand that they are not alone, and they do not have to suppress their feelings of depression. It is OK to seek professional help if seasonal affective disorder is gravely interfering with your daily routine. Mental health treatment can be provided through Center for Mental Wealth!
Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder:
1. Loss of Interest
If you find that you have lost interest in things you enjoy or are not interested in doing anything, this can be a sign of depression. If you used to enjoy being outside and have no desire to leave the house or are not interested in participating in activities, you may be experiencing SAD. This symptom can coincide with the symptom of hopelessness.
2. Feelings of hopelessness
When you feel hopeless, you often have no desire to engage in any activities that can bring you pleasure. You may feel as though you do not want to participate because you will ruin others' fun. You may feel like being with others is too overwhelming and simply cannot participate.
3. Loss or lack of Energy
Summertime is often a season of being out and about. In the warm summer weather, individuals go outside and enjoy activities such as swimming, walking or playing sports. Though over the past few years we have had to spend a lot more time indoors and our normal energy levels may be down due to our environment, it’s important to notice if you are sleeping excessively or if you do not have energy to do simple tasks. If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of depression. Try to find ways to stay mentally involved and physically active. If you find that your lack of energy or motivation is severely impairing your activity levels, it is important to talk to a mental health professional about depression.
Year round, it is important to check in with yourself and make sure you are managing your mental health needs. Whether you have experienced seasonal depression in the past or are recognizing depressive symptoms for the first time, make sure you have the resources needed to have a healthy summer, both physically and mentally. If you need mental health treatment Center for Mental Wealth is available to meet your mental health needs.
Get Started on Your Path to Recovery with Center for Mental Wealth. We treat a wide variety of mental health needs for children, adolescents and adults. Call us today at 281-463-0889 or visit our website for more information about our Board-Certified Psychiatrists for Mental Health | Home (centerformentalwealth.com) We can help you begin your journey to mental wealth!
