Season Affective Disorder (SAD) - Could this be affecting me?

Season Affective Disorder (SAD) - Could this be affecting me

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SAD stands not merely for that depressing emoticon used throughout the world; it's an acronym for a very common disorder: Seasonal Affective Disorder. Its name comes from the fact that sufferers generally experience a mood downswing when autumn or winter comes.

Though it is easy to observe whether another person is suffering from this disorder, the opposite is true when trying to self-diagnose your condition. Though professional help is always recommended in determining whether you are suffering from SAD, it might be good to vaguely detect the underlying cause to your winter blues. Through this, you might be able to approach clinicians for treatment methods, such as psychotherapy or light therapy for SAD.

So, here are a few pointers to look out for to determine whether you are suffering from SAD.

1. Emotions and mood

SAD sufferers definitely feel less than perfect when autumn or winter comes. Due to the lack of sunlight during these periods, patients experiences general "blueness" when the latter seasons come (which is why light therapy for SAD is the subject of many scientific initiatives). If you realize that you feel irritable or depressed only during these periods of the year, there's a high chance you might be suffering from this disorder.

2. Appetite and weight

Monitor your weight. Many SAD patients experience a more-than-healthy appetite, leading to excessive weight gain during these periods. Sometimes, this is because some sufferers suddenly find themselves under the mercy of irresistible cravings for food. If you realize that you've been eating more than usual, the alarm bells should be ringing.

3. Circadian patterns

Circadian patterns (sleeping patterns) are usually affected in SAD sufferers. Many patients sleep more during autumn and winter, partly due to the lethargy that struck them. In addition, the lack of sunlight might encourage such changes in sleeping patterns (leading to the use of light therapy for SAD to cure these symptoms). Do peruse your sleeping behavior, and seek professional help if you notice any drastic changes.

4. Increased irritability

If you find yourself snapping at your friends for no reason during the seasons mentioned, you might want to take note of it. Of course, there are many reasons why people get annoyed with each other, but if this annoyance seems to come out of nowhere, you could be suffering from SAD.

Do understand that this mental condition is treatable with a combination of psychotherapy, medication, light therapy for SAD and general relaxation. If you find that you're suffering from these symptoms, and suspect that you are potentially under the whim of this disorder, do not hesitate to approach a professional for help.

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