Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder in Glendale Senior Living
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Common signs of seasonal affective disorder include fatigue and loss of interest in activities. Knowing how to spot these signs can ensure you seek immediate treatment.
Do you experience severe fatigue, lose interest in your hobbies, or withdraw from friends and family every winter? These symptoms could indicate you have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). According to Mental Health America, about 5% of the US population struggles with seasonal depression.
Don't let the weather ruin your mood. Read on to improve your mental and physical health in Glendale, WI.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) identifies SAD as "major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern." Unlike major depressive disorder, seasonal depression is associated with the changing seasons.
SAD is triggered by the change of seasons. The onset of symptoms begins in late fall and worsens as the weather gets colder. Symptoms may not improve until it's sunnier, in the spring.
Some people experience a mild version of SAD: the winter blues. The winter blues may cause you to feel down as the weather gets colder and it gets dark earlier. According to the Cleveland Clinic, between 10 and 20% of Americans experience the winter blues.
While the winter blues don't cause debilitating symptoms, SAD may affect your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Without treatment, SAD may affect your ability to function.
Though it's less common, some people experience symptoms in the late spring or early summer. These summer blues may end in the fall.
Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder
People with SAD experience depressive symptoms, including:
- Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
- Anxiety
- Craving carbohydrates and sugar
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Arms and legs feeling heavy
- Feeling agitated or irritated
- Feeling depressed most of the day, almost every day, for at least two weeks
- Oversleeping
- Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
- Social withdrawal
Consult a mental healthcare provider if you experience these signs of seasonal affective disorder. They'll complete a thorough examination to determine if you have SAD. In some cases, SAD indicates a more complex health condition.
For a diagnosis, a healthcare provider will determine if you have:
- Symptoms of major depression
- Depressive episodes occur more frequently in the winter than the rest of the year
- Episodes that occur during the winter for at least two consecutive years
Winter Mood Support for Seniors
Seek winter mood support for seniors by:
- Embracing the cold weather
- Exercising regularly
- Socializing with other seniors
- Adjusting your diet
- Choosing Glendale, WI senior care
You can find mood and memory care wellness tips through your senior living community's lifestyle programs.
Try to embrace the cold weather as soon as possible. Embrace the Nordic concept of "hygge" by making your living space warm and comfortable.
Explore nature and engage in winter-specific activities. Spending time in nature regardless of the weather ("friluftsliv," or the Nordic concept of "free air life") can improve your mood and overall well-being.
Exercising can boost dopamine and serotonin production, which may uplift your mood. Find exercise classes through your senior living community's fitness program. These may include:
- Pilates
- Yoga, chair yoga, or stretching
- Tai chi
- Walking or hiking groups
- Weight lifting
- Resistance band training
Socializing can boost your mood and give you a sense of belonging. Find fun engagements through your community's events and activities calendar.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in antioxidants can offer neuroprotective benefits.Enjoy delicious dishes through your community's dining program.
Who Is At Risk of SAD?
Though seasonal affective disorder can begin at any age, it typically starts when people are between the ages of 18 and 30. Potential risk factors include:
- A family history of SAD, other forms of depression, or another mental health condition
- Living in latitudes far south or north of the equator
- Living in a dark or cloudy area
- Having another mood disorder
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Treatments for SAD?
Your mental healthcare provider may recommend a combination of treatments, including:
- Bright light therapy
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
- Antidepressant medication
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Spending time outdoors
- Vitamin D supplements
During bright light therapy, you'll sit in front of a lamp that emits 10,000 lux of light. It's 20 times brighter than normal indoor light and mimics outdoor settings. Bright light therapy first thing in the morning can help you maintain a healthy circadian rhythm.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy. It can help you recognize and manage your symptoms. According to a research article in Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, CBT can be effective in treating symptoms of SAD and depression.
Let your mental healthcare provider know if you're currently taking any medications. They'll ensure you don't take vitamin D supplements or antidepressants that may cause an interaction.
What Is the Worst Month for SAD?
According to the American Medical Association, symptoms of SAD tend to escalate between December and February.During this period, there are fewer hours of sunlight. Failing to get sunlight exposure may trigger your SAD symptoms.
Sunlight exposure helps the body stimulate vitamin D production. Vitamin D is linked to our serotonin levels. This neurotransmitter influences mood.
Consult a mental healthcare provider if your symptoms don't improve with the onset of spring. The duration of SAD varies between patients. In some cases, symptoms can resolve within weeks or months with treatment.
However, experiencing symptoms during the winter months doesn't always mean you have seasonal affective disorder. You may have major depressive disorder that worsens during the winter months.
Prioritize Aging and Emotional Health
Don't let the winter weather ruin your mood or health. Instead, learn how to recognize the signs of seasonal affective disorder. Promote seasonal depression awareness if you notice other seniors in Glendale, WI, experiencing symptoms.
Remember, you can find more mood and memory care wellness tips through your local senior living community. Discovery Commons North Shore overlooks Estabrook Park and the Milwaukee River Greenway. It's designed to provide a lifestyle that enhances your life as you age.
Discover our exclusive senior lifestyle programs, including delicious dishes and international cuisines through Sensations Dining, parties and games through Celebrations Activities and Events, or yoga and spiritual gatherings from Dimensions Health and Fitness. Contact us now to schedule a tour.