As winter settles in and daylight hours diminish, many individuals find themselves grappling with a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that typically occurs when exposure to sunlight is limited. The primary cause of SAD is believed to be a lack of sunlight, leading to disruptions in the body's internal clock and the production of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and melatonin. Symptoms of SAD often include persistent feelings of sadness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, as well as an increase in appetite.
MOBILE, Ala., Feb. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As winter settles in and daylight hours diminish, many individuals find themselves grappling with a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that typically occurs when exposure to sunlight is limited.
"It's a type of depression that happens seasonally. It happens most often in the fall and winter, usually worse in January and February," explained Dr. Sandra Parker, psychiatrist and chief medical officer with AltaPointe Health. "It affects about 5% of the US population, with women aged 18-30 at a higher risk."
The primary cause of SAD is believed to be a lack of sunlight, leading to disruptions in the body's internal clock and the production of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and melatonin. Symptoms of SAD often include persistent feelings of sadness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, as well as an increase in appetite.
"If you have Seasonal Affective Disorder, it can cause you to be depressed up to 40% of the year, and that's a significant amount of time to be depressed," added Parker. "If you're having trouble functioning, if you're having trouble taking care of your family or your work, or if you're just feeling really sad and not enjoying life anymore – we really encourage people to come in and be seen when you start to notice these becoming a pattern."
There are several strategies to help manage and alleviate symptoms of SAD. Light therapy, which involves exposure to a bright light that mimics natural sunlight, is a commonly prescribed treatment. Additionally, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, engaging in regular physical activity, and spending time outdoors during daylight hours can help regulate mood and energy levels.
"We can try those kinds of treatments first. But if those don't help, then we can look at starting an antidepressant – the same things that work for traditional depression also work for seasonal affective disorder," explained Parker.
In recent years, awareness of SAD has grown, prompting initiatives to address its impact on mental health. Employers, schools, and healthcare providers are increasingly recognizing the importance of creating environments that support individuals affected by seasonal changes. Moreover, research continues to explore the underlying mechanisms of SAD, paving the way for new treatment options and preventative measures.
"People don't need to suffer unnecessarily. Just like if you have a headache, you know it will go away probably within 24 hours. But you can take a Tylenol or Advil and feel better sooner. So certainly, if you have any type of depression, you want to come in and get treatment," added Parker.
ABOUT ALTAPOINTE
AltaPointe Health is an extensive behavioral and primary healthcare system in Alabama. AltaPointe operates two psychiatric hospitals, one behavioral health crisis center, and 24 outpatient clinics. A leader in behavioral health for more than 60 years, AltaPointe expanded its service array in 2018 to include primary care. Its clinicians provide more than 1.3 million services annually to more than 45,000 people across seven counties, including Baldwin, Clay, Coosa, Mobile, Talladega, Randolph and Washington.
Media Contact
April Douglas, Director of Public Relations, AltaPointe Health, (251) 544-4639, [email protected] , www.AltaPointe.org
SOURCE AltaPointe Health
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