Seasonal Depression-It's that time of year!

[NoDayButToday]

Seasonal Affective Disorder
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Some people suffer from symptoms of depression during the winter months, with symptoms subsiding during the spring and summer months. This may be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a mood disorder associated with depression episodes and related to seasonal variations of light.

SAD was first noted before 1845, but was not officially named until the early 1980’s. As sunlight has affected the seasonal activities of animals (i.e., reproductive cycles and hibernation), SAD may be an effect of this seasonal light variation in humans. As seasons change, there is a shift in our “biological internal clocks” or circadian rhythm, due partly to these changes in sunlight patterns. This can cause our biological clocks to be out of “step” with our daily schedules. The most difficult months for SAD sufferers are January and February, and younger persons and women are at higher risk.
Symptoms Include:

regularly occurring symptoms of depression (excessive eating and sleeping, weight gain) during the fall or winter months.
full remission from depression occur in the spring and summer months.
symptoms have occurred in the past two years, with no nonseasonal depression episodes.
seasonal episodes substantially outnumber nonseasonal depression episodes.
a craving for sugary and/or starchy foods.
Possible Cause of this Disorder
Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, has been linked to SAD. This hormone, which may cause symptoms of depression, is produced at increased levels in the dark. Therefore, when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases.

Treatments
Phototherapy or bright light therapy has been shown to suppress the brain’s secretion of melatonin. Although, there have been no research findings to definitely link this therapy with an antidepressant effect, many people respond to this treatment. The device most often used today is a bank of white fluorescent lights on a metal reflector and shield with a plastic screen. For mild symptoms, spending time outdoors during the day or arranging homes and workplaces to receive more sunlight may be helpful. One study found that an hour’s walk in winter sunlight was as effective as two and a half hours under bright artificial light.

If phototherapy doesn’t work, an antidepressant drug may prove effective in reducing or eliminating SAD symptoms, but there may be unwanted side effects to consider. Discuss your symptoms thoroughly with your family doctor and/or mental health professional.



I think I'm going to get assessed. I really think I'm affected by this. I have no motivation as soon as it starts getting into late fall. Anyone else affected?

[SVZ]

I think I'm going to get assessed. I really think I'm affected by this. I have no motivation as soon as it starts getting into late fall. Anyone else affected?

oddly enough no. i'm happier in the fall and winter

[britlitgal]

i already know i have it. i am prone to depression anyway, and it gets worse--much much worse--in fall and winter. it's like my whole being just wants to hibernate. some days it is very hard to get up in the morning and just function. i cry a lot more and other fun things. sigh. i should probably think about going back on the zoloft. 50 mg once a day works wonders.

[*trina*]

Zoloft time.

[Rogue]

My doctor pointed out I may have SAD, as it can affect the immune system, and they thought it odd that three years in a row I'd get a bug around November/December, that Icouldn't shake off until I went on antibiotics around February. I've bought a light now, and it's effective when I use it, but I keep forgetting, and often don't get home til about 7pm, when it would be daft to use it because it would wake me up for the night.

[LynnieD]

This SAD shit sucks. Everyone I know has it to some degree or another. When you live in Upstate NY where you get in excess of 120 ft of snow a year (Dec-March)and little to no sun, it gets DAMN DEPRESSING. And then factor in the holiday stress and the brutal cold temperatures....you got yourself some sad folks. My mother died in December, and my birthday is in December--and I officially hate my birthday now. So it just stinks all around...
Need to move the hell outta here.

[barbiedoll25]

I used to get it when I lived in Michigan. It sucked, feeling like crap not caring if you gained weight or not, not wanting to do anything. Since I moved to Florida it no longer affects me. If I start to feel down, I sit outside for 15 minutes and feel instantly refreshed. Plus, my allergies went away!