Beyond winter blues: Recognizing the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
As the days get darker and winter approaches, many mark this time by snuggling up in blankets and cooking up their favorite foods. But this change can also have a negative impact on your mental health. Clinician Terry Carter says Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that people experience during the transition from fall to winter. and spring to summer. However, SAD is different from regular depression and the ‘Winter Blues’ because it is specifically related to changes in the time of day. Signs to watch for: National Institutes of Health Kelello says that people can have seasonal problems in the transition months from autumn to winter or spring to summer. And they can produce a variety of symptoms. Specific Symptoms of Winter SAD: Excessive sleeping (also known as Hypersomnia) Overeating (especially carbs) Weight gain Body Withdrawal from society Special warning signs: Difficulty sleeping (Insomnia) Loss of appetite and weight gain. or aggressive behavior Carter says the key to recognizing and treating these symptoms is to be proactive and listen to your body. “Looking at ‘How’s my sleeping pattern? How’s my exercise? How’s my eating habits and my hygiene?’ These are the areas of basic need that we look at that might be red flags to say, ‘Okay, if I can’t check these boxes, I probably have those symptoms.’ from four to five months Coping: Getting as much natural light as possible Eating a healthy, balanced diet and moving your body (strengthening (your body’s serotonin)SAD can be treated with psychotherapy, light therapy, and medication, says Carter, if you have these symptoms, talk to your primary care doctor.
As the days get darker and winter approaches, many mark this time by snuggling up in blankets and cooking up their favorite foods.
But this change can also have a negative impact on your mental health.
Clinical Therapist Terry Carter says Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that people experience during the transition from fall to winter and spring to summer.
However, SAD is different from regular depression and the “Winter Blues” because it is directly related to changes in the time of day.
Signs to watch for:
The National Institute of Mental Health says that people may experience seasonal affective disorder during the transition months from fall to winter or spring to summer.
And they can produce different symptoms.
Winter-Pattern SAD-Specific symptoms:
- Excessive sleepiness (also known as Hypersomnia)
- Eating too much (especially carbs)
- Weight gain
- Social withdrawal
Summer-Pattern SAD-Specific Sympty:
- Sleep disorder (Insomnia)
- Low appetite
- Losing weight
- Increased restlessness or agitation
- Anxiety
- Violent or aggressive behavior
Carter says the key to recognizing and treating these symptoms is to be active and listen to your body.
“Looking at ‘How’s my sleeping pattern? How’s my exercise? How’s my eating habits and my hygiene?’ Those are the areas of basic need that we’re looking at that might be red flags to say, ‘Okay, if I can’t check these boxes, I might have those symptoms,'” he said.
Experts say symptoms can last four to five months.
How to deal with that situation:
- Get as much natural light as possible
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet and moving your body (boosts your body’s serotonin)
- SAD can also be treated with psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and medication
Carter says if you have any of these symptoms, talk to your primary care doctor.
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