EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

If you've been a pretty loyal reader of my blog, you know that I suffer from anxiety, particularly medical anxiety I would say. But, around this time of year, a different form of anxiety plagues many people, making it really hard for them to enjoy the season.

So, I thought I would share some information on seasonal affective disorder to spread awareness and urge those who are experiencing symptoms to seek help and guidance.

WHAT IS SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER?

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD for short, is a specifier of major depressive disorder that is usually experienced in the fall and winter months. 

There are many reasons why SAD effects so many people during this time. Some are biological and some are feelings that come with the season.

Biologically speaking, scientists and researchers agree that less sunlight due to Daylight Savings Time can cause some people's bodies to react by reducing serotonin and melatonin which control mood and sleep respectively.

The fall and winter seasons are also hard for people who feel alone. During these times of year, people are normally filled with cheer, are giving gifts, and laughing with their family members. SAD can come around if someone they loved passed away in that season, if they feel they can't contribute financially to various celebrations, and so forth.

WHO DOES SAD EFFECT?

SAD can happen to anyone but, like many illnesses and disorders, they can happen to some groups more than others. SAD is said to effect young females more than any other demographic. It is also much more prevalent in those who have a family history of depression. Lastly, people who live farther from the equator are also said to be more effected by SAD than others.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SAD?

SAD symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Apathy
• Discontent
• Loneliness
• Loss of Interest
• Mood Swings
• Sadness
• Excessive Sleepiness
• Insomnia
• Sleep Deprivation
• Appetite Changes
• Social Isolation
• Depression
• Weight Gain
• Lack of Concentration

There are so many other symptoms that could point to SAD, but these are the most common.

WHY YOU SHOULD SEEK HELP

SAD can cause you to act out of character or harm yourself, and I'm praying that you don't do that. Everyone who was placed on this earth has a purpose. You mean something. If you don't feel like you mean something to anyone you know in person, you mean so much to me. Your life is precious and I don't want this illness to take anyone else from this world. 

SAD, however, can be treated or at least managed by going to various therapies, exercising to reduce stress, or through medications. 

CONCLUSION

If you are experiencing these symptoms, I hope you will seek professional help. If you don't have the means to do so, you can always search for anonymous chat lines and chat rooms where you can talk about your problem with a professionally-trained coach.

You are worth it. Get help so that you can feel better and so that you can brave each and every day knowing that you have someone in your corner.