Seasonal Affective Disorder (Fall-onset): Do we actually get those “Winter Blues”?
EMILY KIMBRELL – As Summer morphs into Fall, it seems as though multiple, if not all, of our life’s involvements become inflamed and crowded. Classes are bustling, coffee shops are occupied, and family traditions (politely) ask for our attention. Although the autumn festivities satisfy the soul, thousands of people experience a phenomenon around this time annually that leeches on enjoyment and productivity. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a psychological ailment that affects nearly 5% of American adults and is characterized by a cyclical series of depressive-like symptoms. Typically, as the autumn and winter months approach, the person may experience feelings of hopelessness, burn-out, anxiety, and a general difference in mood. SAD is often mistaken for the typical stress due to packed calendars within these months surrounding academics, work, and the holidays, but the disorder is often distinguished by its unique origin of the daylight cycle.
SO, WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON?
Although the factors previously mentioned should not be discounted–they absolutely can contribute to a depressive state–Seasonal Affective Disorder is uniquely due to the altering day-night cycle. In 2024, Americans will set their clocks ahead an hour on November 3rd to account for Daylight Savings Time (DST). By doing so, we forfeit an hour of daylight that would typically be experienced during the workday and evening and tend to drive home from classes or work in much darker conditions than in the summertime.
Biologically, humans like sunshine. It aids in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that provides feelings of happiness, appetite, and health; as well as melatonin, the chemical that you may know for regulating the circadian rhythm. It makes sense that as the amount of daylight exposure decreases, as would production of serotonin. Inversely, due to darker daytime hours, melatonin production rates rise. Consequently, common symptoms such as daytime fatigue, depressed mood, altered appetite, lowered libido, and lack of enjoyment of activities arise due to such chemical imbalances. These symptoms are recurrent and may accompany a pre-existing mental diagnosis. Fall-onset SAD is left undiagnosed and untreated in a multitude of cases predominantly due to its idiopathic nature, as well as practitioner ignorance. Many resources are available that have been proven to ease the symptoms of SAD, with research funding for its cause on the rise.
- Light and Vitamin D therapies have been utilized to help compensate for the lack of sunlight.
- Psychotherapy is a solid, all-around weapon that can support affected people year-round, and it can help establish tools to be used to treat SAD for years to come.
- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be used to supplement psychological care or other treatment.
NEXT STEPS
As the days grow shorter, addressing Fall-onset Seasonal Affective Disorder is as crucial as ever. With over a million Americans experiencing unusual psychological symptoms this season, initiating discussions and educating peers can greatly aid in the management of symptoms. Fortunately, with various upcoming therapies, the effects of SAD are becoming increasingly monitored, as well as their roots. In upcoming years, researchers hope to expand upon the biochemical emergence of Seasonal Affective Disorder and just how we can support those affected.
Copy Editor – Yeongseo Son
Photography Source – https://dpeak-counselling.org/blog/what-is-seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/