If you’ve ever wondered why you just can’t get into the holidays like you used to or actually felt depressed in the fall through winter, you may suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression related to changes in seasons.
While SAD during the fall and winter months is more common, you may also be affected in the spring and summer months. First of all, clinical depression is not your fault. It may not be something you can just “snap out of” without the help of medical intervention or therapy; it is a mood disorder that affects the neural circuitry in your brain.
Signs and symptoms of SAD may include:
Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Having low energy
Having problems with sleeping
Experiencing changes in your appetite or weight
Feeling sluggish or agitated
Having difficulty concentrating
Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
Having frequent thoughts of death or suicide
Fall and winter SAD, or winter depression, may include:
Oversleeping
Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
Weight gain
Tiredness or low energy
Spring and summer SAD, or summer depression, may include:
Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
Poor appetite
Weight loss
Agitation or anxiety
When should I (or a loved one) see a doctor about seasonal depression?
Feeling down for days at a time
No desire to engage in activities you normally enjoy
Change in sleep patterns
Change in appetite
Increase in alcohol use
Feeling hopeless
Suicidal thoughts
The cause of seasonal affective disorder is not certain but should not be taken any less seriously than depression as we know it traditionally. As with other types of depression, SAD can get worse and lead to more complex mental health problems if it’s not treated.
Our physician referral service can provide a wealth of information about our doctors and help you make an appointment.
Find a physician now
1-833-764-5452 or visit www.FloridaMedCtr.com for more information.