Do you feel as though your mood changes with the seasons? If you’re finding it difficult to manage your day-to-day activities as the temperature drops and the days become shorter, you might be suffering from seasonal affective disorder.
Seasonal affective disorder, often referred to simply as SAD, is a type of depression where sufferers experience symptoms following a seasonal cycle. Symptoms are the most noticeable during the fall and winter months but taper off over the spring and summer. It is estimated that SAD affects about 5% of adults in the United States.
Symptoms of SAD
People with SAD often start to experience symptoms in October and November. Symptoms are normally the most severe in January and February, then start to improve as spring arrives.
The symptoms of SAD often include:
- Loss of energy
- Sluggishness
- Anxiety
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or despair
- Trouble sleeping
- Extreme fatigue
- Appetite changes
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in normal activities and hobbies
- Loss of interest in socializing with others
In the most severe cases, people with SAD experience thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the toll-free TTY number at 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) if you or someone you know are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide. You also can text the Crisis Text Line (HELLO to 741741) or go to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website. However, if you believe there is immediate danger, the safest course of action is to call 911 or head to your local emergency room.
Causes and Risk Factors
Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes SAD. The prevailing theory is that people with the condition seem to have a tough time regulating the body’s production of serotonin, melatonin, and Vitamin D.
SAD is most common in women, young adults, and people with a family history of depression or other mental health disorders. However, the condition does affect people from all backgrounds.
Since addiction is considered a mental health disorder, people who’ve received treatment for substance abuse have an increased risk of experiencing SAD compared to the general population.
How SAD Can Put Your Recovery at Risk
Untreated mental health conditions of any type, including SAD, can put your sobriety at risk. Addiction is a chronic illness with complex biological and environmental triggers. Proactively managing your mental health is an important part of the recovery journey.
The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder can leave you feeling socially and emotionally drained. They can make it hard to find the energy to make nutritious food, exercise regularly, socialize with friends or family, and attend support group meetings on a regular basis. This can leave you vulnerable to relapse.
If you think you might be suffering from SAD, don’t ignore the problem and hope it will go away when the seasons change. Talk to your care provider about what you can do to address your symptoms. Antidepressants and Vitamin D supplements can help people with SAD, as can using special lamps that help replicate the benefit of exposure to natural light within your home. Opening your curtains or blinds as much as possible and trying to get outside for at least 15-30 minutes per day regardless of the weather may also help you manage your symptoms.
At St. Joseph Institute for Addiction, we’re committed to helping all of our clients build the foundation for a lasting recovery. If the symptoms of SAD have caused you to relapse, the experienced staff at our Pennsylvania residential addiction treatment center can provide the evidence-based care you need to get back on track. There’s no need to put off rehab due to coronavirus fears since our facility remains open as an essential business and is following all CDC recommended practices for infection control.
