Seasonal affective Disorder (SAD) strikes sufferers in the temperate climate zones when there is less natural light from late fall to early spring. The malady is a type of depression linked to the time of year and decreased daylight. The treatment for SAD includes light treatments (phototherapy), medications, and psychotherapy or counseling. The symptoms of SAD mirror other depressive disorders but less acute, with the distinctive linkage to the time of year.
Hopeless Statements Increase as Days Shorten
People with SAD seem to increase their expressions of despair and hopelessness as days shorten in the fall. The Mayo Clinic says it is more than just "winter blues," as sufferers cycle into deepening loss and feelings of helplessness, with verbalizations of loss and pointlessness. As springtime approaches, those with SAD tend to be more upbeat, with expressions of renewed hope and direction. By mid-summer, the "doom and gloom" reports may cease.
Tired Feelings and Less Activity
Besides saying they are sad and hopeless, SAD sufferers tend to act despairing and sapped of energy as the days grow shorter. The National Institute of Mental Health states that SAD sufferers tend to have shorter biorhythms in winter and act more tired, listless and moody. The NIMH states that taking melatonin tends to lengthen the biorhythms for those with SAD and gives them more energy, resulting in more directed activity.
Weight Gain, Social Withdrawal and Oversleeping
Those who suffer with SAD may gain weight, "hibernate" and avoid social contacts in winter. The Mayo Clinic says SAD sufferers tend to cycle weight gain in winter and loss in summer. They also may sleep longer but have more trouble falling asleep in winter. SAD patients may also seem to avoid conversation and interaction in winter. In comparison, summer months contain more social contacts and fewer hours of but more restful sleep.
Anxiety, Irritability and Agitation
SAD sufferers may show an increase in restlessness and agitated behavior in winter months. The NIMH states more women than men tend to exhibit SAD symptoms, and those symptoms seem to be most pronounced in young women in their 20s. The anxiety, irritability and agitation appear as the flip side of lethargy and despair in the SAD cycle of depression.
Decreased Libido and Suicidal Thoughts
Those with SAD tend to have a lower sex drive and more suicidal thoughts in winter. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that less interest in sexual activity seems to parallel the lessened social interaction and lower activity levels of SAD sufferers in winter. The NAMI also states that along with feelings of despair and hopelessness, SAD patients may dwell on ending their lives as an acceptable option during winter months.
