Seasonal Affective Disorder and its Impact

1/25/22

As the excitement of the holiday season fades and December turns into January, many people tend to experience a marked change in mood.  The days are shorter and the weather is cold, gray, and oppressive.  Depending on where a person lives, with a typical 9-5 workday it may also be altogether impossible to experience a sufficient amount of daylight during the winter months.  During this time, many people wake up before the sun has risen, head into the office, and then do not leave until after the sun has already set.  In addition, many people tend to become sick during the winter months, as flu season and the winter season tend to be synonymous.  Illness can also lead to decreased mood, because if you are not feeling well physically, typically your temperament will suffer as well.  These seasonal conditions often lead to what is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  Outwardly, the symptoms of SAD can mimic the symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).  With both Seasonal Affective Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder, people often experience persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities that they once enjoyed, sleep disturbances, lack of appetite, a tendency towards isolation, and most notably, a general and near constant low mood.  Yet despite the obvious similarities, MDD and SAD symptoms differ in a few ways.

Seasonal Affective disorder is experienced in relation to changes in weather and lack of sunlight during the winter months, whereas Major Depressive Disorder can be experienced at any time regardless of external influences and without any possibility of being attributed to any other physical or psychiatric issue.  During the winter months, the days shorten, and coupled with daylight savings time, many people have very little exposure to sunlight.  Sunlight is believed to cause in increase in the release of serotonin in the brain, and without it, people become more susceptible to low moods.  While low mood is also a well-known trait of MDD, SAD differs in that seasonal symptoms can be less intense for some and typically disappear altogether with the change of seasons.

Having a propensity for a low mood during the winter season can be extremely detrimental and influential on a person’s day to day life.  This form of seasonal depression often lasts months and can affect someone socially as well as mentally.  If a person’s mood is chronically low due to a lack of sunlight and cold, oppressive weather, they may be more inclined to self-isolate, and avoid outings and social engagements that they might otherwise have enjoyed.  Those affected by SAD may also find that they are less interested in hobbies and activities that once brought them joy due to a general lack of excitement caused by low serotonin levels.  This can also lead to low motivation in some.  Low mood does not typically engender inner drive and excitement, and many may find that they have a difficult time completing tasks during the winter months.  These seasonal low moods may also have a tendency to affect relationships.  Besides being disinclined towards social engagements due to a low mood, many people may find that they become short and lose patience with their loved ones when their serotonin levels are low.  Seasonal changes in mood can strain relationships during this time, especially if the effects of SAD are prolonged over many months.

Thankfully, there are several activities that may help to boost mood during these long, gray, winter months.  Most notably, exercising helps to naturally boost feel-good hormones in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine.  Even a short, low impact workout can do wonders to boost mood.  Establishing and sticking to a workout routine during the winter months can be a great way to help combat the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder.  In addition, spending time with loved ones may help to boost mood, as well as trying new hobbies and having new experiences. Taking time off for travel during the winter months may also help to stave off the effects of SAD.  Despite the gloom of the season, it is important to take stock of your mental health and find ways, no matter how small, to help alleviate the symptoms of SAD.

Author: Alexandria La Forge