What is SAD? and Why You Should Care About It
Have you ever heard someone say “I have SAD” and think “I think they mean they are sad.” Well, there is a disorder called SAD and if you could guess, it makes you sad. So, what is SAD?
WHAT IS SAD?
SAD also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder is a condition that causes depression during the Fall and Winter months. What we may commonly refer to as the “Winter Blues” may actually be SAD. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain prompted by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight in winter. As seasons change, people experience a shift in their biological internal clock or circadian rhythm that can cause them to be out of step with their daily schedule.”
About 5 percent of Americans experience some form of SAD, and this number rises the further you get from the equator where there are less daylight hours. So how can you tell if someone has SAD?
SYMPTOMS OF SAD
According to the American Psychiatric Association, The symptoms of SAD are very similar to that of depression. They can include (but are not limited to):
Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite; usually eating more, craving carbohydrates
Change in sleep; usually sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue despite increased sleep hours
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable to others)
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
That was copied from the APA website. So, how do you fight SAD?
DIAGNOSIS + TREATMENT
First things first, go to a professional. Whether that be your PCP or a therapist. They will know how to properly diagnose you with SAD.
Some treatments that they may offer can include:
Talk therapy
Antidepressant
Vitamin D supplementation
Light therapy
And that is the basics of what you need to know about SAD and it’s importance. If you have any questions about SAD, feel free to reach out and comment below! If you like what you read, sign up for my newsletter so you are first to know when new mental health blogs are posted!
Until next time :)