Sleeping in on cold mornings, and not being to able to sleep during very hot nights sounds pretty familiar. And many a time, it doesn’t mean anything. While our mood is prone to change, as rapidly as the changing seasons sometimes, some people may be affected more deeply than the others. Although, not every down-day leads to mental health problems– it’s imporatnt to note if the moos swings are leaving a lasting impact on your day-to-day functions. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), popularly known as seasonal depression, is a concept known to few. Seasonal depression typically sets in with weather changes, and yes, it’s a very real thing. As people are struggling to come to terms with taking depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems seriously, Seasonal depression is a niche that is not often talked about or even acknowledged. 

“The symptoms often start in Fall and go through Winter.

Many push off being too moody as the winter sets and call it the winter blues.

But ignoring seasonal depression without getting treated can have lasting effects sometimes.”

What is SAD? 

As the name suggests, Seasonal depression is related to the changing seasons. Though it is different from chronic depression, SAD can have scarring effects on our mental health. Though the seasons are not visibly or not too drastic in many parts of the world, some people do experience this syndrome. 

The symptoms often start in Fall and go through Winter. Many push off being too moody as the winter sets and call it the winter blues. But ignoring seasonal depression without getting treated can have lasting effects sometimes. And if you think SAD is only restricted to moody winter days, some people also experience this during the summers and through spring. 

Symptoms 

As the seasons change, if you suddenly feel a difference in the way your thoughts are being processed or if you’re feeling sluggish for days together as a particular season sets in, you could be suffering from seasonal depression. 

The symptoms of SAD in the winters include oversleeping, having carb-rich food in excess, sudden weight gain, tiredness. But SAD during the summers can be a bit different. 

“According to statistics, approximately 10 million people in India suffer from acute seasonal mood changes.

Though it’s often self-diagnosed, seeing a professional for this can

help you understand  how to deal with this recurring pattern in a better way.”

You can recognize this if you have insomnia during the summers, lack of appetite, weight loss, irritability, anxiety and lack of interest in activities that one usually enjoys being common for both types.

 Various factors can cause seasonal depression. Lack of sunlight during the winters leading to lack of serotonin which has a chemical link to the brain is one of the popular theories. 

According to statistics, approximately 10 million people in India suffer from acute seasonal mood changes. Though it’s often self-diagnosed, seeing a professional for this can help you understand how to deal with this recurring pattern in a better way. 

It’s commonly believed that people who live in high-altitude places are more prone to SAD, but it’s observed that people who live in lower altitudes can also suffer from this. SAD in tropical countries is increasingly prevalent though it’s not well-known as there is relatively less variation in daylight periods.  

SAD or seasonal depression is a little more than winter blues or monsoon cravings. Various factors like exercise, a better diet, and increased hydration can help you cope with this syndrome. Still, meeting with a medical practitioner can help you understand the intensity of your condition and will help you make a distinction between the patterns you experience.

If any of the above-listed symptoms are increasingly prevalent, it’s time for you to consider understanding SAD in better light. Pun NOT intended.