Most of us have heard the statistics that show suicide rates are higher in the winter months. Many have assumed it to be the “holiday blues”, but is it possible that there’s something more at work here?  Research has shown that a little understood condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder – better known by it’s appropriate acronym, SAD.

How is Seasonal Affective Disorder Different from Other Depressions?

Most people think that all depression is the same, but that isn’t really true. That thinking can be dangerous, because depression diagnosis and treatment vary greatly depending on the type and cause of the depression itself. While it’s true that Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression, patients are typically only affected during certain parts of the year. Most commonly, SAD symptoms begin to appear in the fall and worsen through the winter, then begin to improve in the spring. A mix-up in the function of the brain is behind the problem.

Why is Seasonal Affective Disorder Worse in the Winter?

It’s been found that those who suffer from SAD in the fall and winter are often affected by the limited sunlight available during the shorter days of those months. When the cooler months start getting shorter, it’s dark in the morning when we head out to work or school – and often dark in the evening when we return home. Add daylight savings time in on top of that in the fall, plus spending more time indoors because of the cold, and some people may go days with out getting any sunlight at all.

Researchers believe that it’s this lack of exposure to sunlight that affects the brain chemistry in those with SAD. You see, there’s a hormone called melatonin that your body produces when exposed to darkness, and part of its job is to make you sleepy. When you don’t receive enough natural sunlight, the body may begin to overproduce melatonin, which leads to a disruption in the body’s internal clock. .

What are the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder?

The overproduction of melatonin can cause a variety of symptoms:

Lethargy and oversleeping
Irritability
Lack of concentration and interest
Anxiety
Weight gain
Depressed mood and thoughts

You can see that SAD symptoms are similar to the signs of many other depressive disorders. If you find that you have any of these symptoms, ask yourself a few questions. Do your symptoms see to come and go each year? Do you find yourself more depressed in the fall and winter, but that symptoms seem to improve as the days get longer? If you find yourself improving when you spend more time outdoors in the sunlight, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder.

What are the options in Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment?

If you think your depression may be caused by seasonal affective disorder, talk to your doctor. Many people find themselves affected during the dark winter days, and there are treatments available. Light therapy treatment has been found to be very effective for most people, and is sometimes accompanied by antidepressant treatment. It’s best to work together with your health care provider to find out what treatment works best for you. The best treatment of all might be a trip to a sunnier climate – doctor’s orders!