Recognizing the Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder in Redlands Seniors
Recognizing the signs of seasonal affective disorder can help you seek immediate treatment. Common symptoms include loss of energy, feeling sad, and loss of pleasure in activities or socializing.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 5% of adults experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Symptoms can become distressing, overwhelming, and even impact daily functioning. Knowing how to spot signs of seasonal affective disorder can ensure you seek treatment before there are complications.
With winter mood support, you can enjoy winter in Redlands, CA, instead of feeling down and alone. Read on to learn more about seasonal depression in aging seniors.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression. Unlike major depressive disorder, SAD is triggered by changes in season. It begins in the fall and can end during the start of spring.
Some people refer to SAD as the "winter blues." However, it's normal to feel a little down as the seasons change, especially if you're stuck indoors for long periods. SAD can alter how you think and feel, affecting your ability to function.
People who live in the northern half of the US are most at risk for SAD. In these areas, daylight hours are shorter.
Getting less sunlight exposure may increase your risk of SAD. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, about one in 20 people who live in the northern half of the US could have symptoms of SAD.
People aren't born with SAD. However, it could run in families. All depressive disorders, including SAD, are more common in women than in men.
Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder
SAD can cause symptoms of depression, along with other mood changes. Common signs of seasonal affective disorder include:
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling depressed most of the day, every day
- Limbs that feel heavy
- Feeling irritated or agitated
- Lack of energy or extreme fatigue
- Craving carbohydrates (leading to weight gain)
- Feeling worthless or hopeless
- Oversleeping
- Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
- Thoughts of suicide or death
If you experience these symptoms, seek winter mood support from a mental health professional. They can develop a personalized treatment plan to improve your senior mental wellness.
What Are the Treatments for SAD?
Consult a mental health professional to determine if you have SAD. They may recommend a combination of treatments designed for seasonal depression in aging seniors.
Bright Light Therapy
According to this review, light therapy has a significant treatment effect in reducing depressive symptoms. It's most effective when used in the morning for less than 60 minutes a day.
Treatment involves sitting in front of a light box that emits 10,000 lux of light. This light mimics natural outdoor light, which may stimulate neurotransmitters associated with mood.
Talk to your health care provider before beginning treatment. They'll ensure you use the correct device.
Medication or Supplements
A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants for treating SAD.They may recommend a supplement if you have a vitamin D deficiency. A deficiency may affect your mood, contributing to SAD symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy. It helps patients recognize, understand, and manage symptoms of depression. Using CBT methods may help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Healthy Aging Strategies
Your mental health care provider may recommend making lifestyle changes to improve your overall health.Try to:
- Spend 15 to 20 minutes outside daily
- Exercise regularly
- Get seven to nine hours of restful sleep
- Engage with friends
- Maintain a routine
- Eat healthy meals
- Avoid drugs and alcohol
Spending time outside can increase your exposure to sunlight. This can help your body produce vitamin D and serotonin, which can improve your mood. Sunlight will also help you maintain a healthy circadian rhythm.
Exercising can help the body stimulate dopamine and serotonin (feel-good chemicals).Explore your senior living community's exercise program for classes.
Socializing can boost your mood and provide you with winter mood support. Engage with friends through your community's events and activities calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Month Does SAD Start?
People usually first develop symptoms of SAD in October. As the weather gets colder, leading to shorter daylight hours, symptoms can worsen. They may have a drastic decline in November.
January and February are the worst seasons for SAD. Symptoms of SAD are often most intense at this time.
If you experience these symptoms, don't hesitate to seek winter mood support. SAD follows a predictable pattern. A professional can help you take preventive measures before the beginning of fall.
What Triggers SAD?
Doctors aren't certain of the exact cause of seasonal affective disorder. However, a lack of sunlight may trigger symptoms by causing:
- A brain chemical imbalance
- Changes to your biological clock
- An increase in melatonin
- Vitamin D deficiency
Getting sunlight in the morning can help you sleep at night. Sunlight helps reset the body's inner clock (your circadian rhythm), which cues your body's sleep cycle. Exposure to bright light first thing in the morning can help you stay alert during the day and sleepy at night.
You're likely to get less sunlight exposure during the winter. This can cause your circadian rhythm to shift, which can affect:
- Hormones
- Your Mood
- Sleep
Neurotransmitters, like serotonin, are brain chemicals. Serotonin can trigger a feel-good sensation and improve your mood. During the winter, you'll get less sunlight exposure, which can reduce serotonin activity.
Vitamin D helps your body produce serotonin, while sunlight helps the body naturally produce vitamin D. Getting less sunlight exposure during the winter can cause both to drop, leading to a low mood.
Melatonin is a chemical that helps regulate sleep and mood. Less sunlight exposure can cause more melatonin production. This may cause you to feel sleepy during the day.
Improve Your Redlands, CA Emotional Health
Don't let your mood plummet this winter. Instead, learn how to recognize the signs of seasonal affective disorder. With these tips, you can enjoy your retirement in Redlands, CA, every season.
You can find more resources through our newly renovated senior living community, Mission Commons. We're enhancing our Independent Living with supportive services to offer elevated comfort, style, and convenience.
Enjoy mouth-watering homestyle meals, activities like Poker Club and Happy Hour With Jazz, and wellness classes like Chair Fitness Class. Contact us now to schedule your tour.