Did you know that the seasons could impact the way you feel? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that creates mood fluctuations throughout the year. In this discussion, we will explore some of the causes and symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, as well as tips to help you adjust to the mood shifts.
What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?
As the season change, your body’s melatonin and serotonin levels may shift. These chemicals impact your sleeping schedule, which is important for mood stabilization. If you aren’t able to fall asleep quickly, stay asleep for long periods of time, or get the amount of sleep your body is used to, you may become depressed, irritable, and easily stressed. All of this combined results in SAD.
Which Seasons Are The Worst?
Most people experience depression from SAD during the fall and winter months. This is partly due to the weather, but a person’s lifestyle may also make him or her feel depressed. For instance, someone living alone may get more depressed in the winter because that’s when most family holidays occur. The mood shifts from SAD would add to that depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder can occur during the spring and summer months, but that is rare.
What Are The Effects Of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Some of the most common symptoms of SAD include:
- Depression
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue throughout the day
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Unexpected food cravings
Once again, these symptoms may be caused by other elements of a person’s life. Stress from work, marital conflicts, weight gain, low self-esteem – all of these can create the same array of symptoms. Talk to a counselor or therapist about your issues so they can determine if you have SAD or another underlying condition. This will put you on the fast track to treatment.
Getting Help For SAD, Depression, Anxiety, And More
Whether you have Seasonal Affective Disorder or some other form of depression, our counselors at Perspectives Of Troy Counseling Centers are here to help. We have several locations in Michigan so you have easy access to the therapy that you need. Your counselor will work with you one-on-one to figure out what’s causing your depression and how you can reverse negative thought patterns. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment, and we will set you up with a compassionate depression counselor in Michigan.