Seasonal depression usually referred to as SAD is a type of depression that occurs during a particular season. It mostly affect people during Fall and winter seasons when there receive less amount of sunlight and also feel cold. SAD is one of the worldwide mental disorders affecting millions of inhabitants. Though it may seem like just depression and lethargy caused by the onset of the cold season it is a real disorder that should be treated.

What Causes Seasonal Depression?

Even though SAD is closely associated with seasonal factors its cause and functioning are not fully understood. Factors contributing to the condition include:

1.         Disruption of the Body’s Internal Clock: Autumn and winter make it hard for the body to get the natural light during the day as compared to summer, hence leading to fatigue and low energy.

2.         Melatonin Overproduction: As days become shorter, the body produces more of a hormone that control’s sleep which is referred to as melatonin. High concentrations of melatonin cause users to feel drowsy and lethargic all day long.

3.         Reduced Serotonin Levels: Ultraviolet light affects serotonin that is a neurotransmitter that is in charge of mood. Lack of sunlight is known to reduce levels of serotonin, which will cause depression like symptoms.

4.         Vitamin D Deficiency: Two, lesser sunshine implies lower Vitamin D levels, which plays an important role in the synthesis of serotonin the body and brain.

Symptoms of Seasonal Depression

SAD symptoms arise during fall or winter and usually disappear in the spring months.• Mad, crazy, or worried for an extended period of time or wants to die.• Weakness and tiredness all the time, even if one has slept most of the time.• All types of food cravings or appetite enhancement especially carbohydrates resulting to obesity.• Problems with focus or applying the actions needed to get things done.• Or having to sleep during working hours or have great difficulty in rising up in the morning.• Avoidance of social contacts in particular or lack of interest in any kind of interest.early winter and subside in spring. Common symptoms include:

•     Persistent sadness, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness.

•     Low energy and constant fatigue, even after sleeping.

•     Increased appetite, particularly for carbohydrates, often leading to weight gain.

•     Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

•     Oversleeping or struggling to wake up in the morning.

•     Withdrawal from social activities or a loss of interest in hobbies.

Who Is at Risk?

SAD can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the likelihood:

•     Gender: .levels: Women reported higher levels of SAD than men in this study.

•     Geography: Individuals which reside in areas, where the days are shorter in the winter, have higher risks – living in the areas that are far from the Equator.

•     Family History: Current or previous mood disorders- including depression – are also relevant since genetic vulnerability to these conditions raises the likelihood of developing a similar condition..

Why Treatment Matters

It’s important to understand that seasonal depression is far from a relatively short-term state of liability of spirits. If left unabated, it can interfere with one’s life as well as his/her loved ones and cause poor performance at work. They include recklessness, impulsivity, hallucinations, labile mood, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, and other forms of psychotic disorders; major depressive episodes can be a lifetime condition.

Treatment and Management

Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage SAD and improve quality of life:

•           Light Therapy: Indeed a light that has an illumination of up to 10,000 lux is as close to natural sunlight to wake up the serotonin and put to sleep the melatonin.

•           Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be useful when dealing with negative cognition because it trains people to replace them.

•           Medications: Antidepressants including the selective serotonin reuptakes inhibitors may also be used to treat chronic or severe symptoms.

•           Lifestyle Changes: Refer to information about how symptoms can be regulated by exercising, taking a proper diet and going out in the open. Taking additional vitamin D could also help boost the mood.

Conclusion

Seasonal depression is a recognized medical condition that is experienced across the world in every society irrespective of age, color and rich or poor background. It is important to know causes leading to it and identify signs that show that it exists in order to manage it. By making sure one uses the right blend of treatments whether natural or professional during winter times, one can regain that happiness that comes with winter. Daylight and light at heart may be just around the corner with the right care and ahead planning.