Signs & Symptoms of SAD

December is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month – SAD is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons.

In last week’s post, I presented an overview of the disorder referred to as SAD. This week, I want to share with you the signs & symptoms of SAD. In most cases, seasonal affective disorder symptoms appear during late fall or early winter and go away during the sunnier days of spring and summer. Less commonly, people with the opposite pattern have symptoms that begin in spring or summer. In either case, symptoms may start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses.

Signs and symptoms of SAD may include:

·        Feeling listless, sad, or down most of the day, nearly every day

·        Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed

·        Having low energy and feeling sluggish

·        Having problems with sleeping too much

·        Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating, and weight gain

·        Having difficulty concentrating

·        Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty

·        Having thoughts of not wanting to live

Fall and winter SAD - Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD, sometimes called 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 - Symptoms specific to summer-onset seasonal affective disorder, sometimes called summer depression, may include:

·        Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

·        Poor appetite

·        Weight loss

·        Agitation or anxiety

·        Increased irritability

Seasonal changes and bipolar disorder - People who have bipolar disorder are at increased risk of seasonal affective disorder. In some people with bipolar disorder, episodes of mania may be linked to a specific season. For example, spring and summer can bring on symptoms of mania or a less intense form of mania (hypomania), anxiety, agitation, and irritability. They may also experience depression during the fall and winter months.

When to see a doctor - It's normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you can't get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your healthcare provider. This is especially important if your sleep patterns and appetite have changed, you turn to alcohol for comfort or relaxation, or you feel hopeless or think about suicide.

NOTE: The information in this post was obtained from the MAYO Clinic’s website in an article titled: SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)

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