What is Seasonal Affective Disorder and How Do I Know if I Have it?
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When the warm weather comes to an end and the sun begins to set earlier each night, it’s normal for people to miss the long summer days they once enjoyed. But what happens when that longing for summer turns into something a bit more serious? This could be a sign that you have seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Signs of Fall and Winter SAD
- Oversleeping
- Changes in your appetite, specifically wanting lots of heavy foods, high in carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Fatigue and low energy
Signs of Spring and Summer SAD
Though fall and winter SAD is more common, some people do experience seasonal depression at the start of spring.- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Lack of appetite
- Weight loss
- Feeling anxious, agitated, or restless
Causes of SAD
Though the exact causes of certain types of depression, including SAD, are unknown, scientists believe one or more of the following could be a cause:- Changes in your biological clock: As the sun begins to set earlier and earlier in the fall and winter, it can affect your circadian rhythm and sleep patterns, causing you to feel depressed.
- A drop in serotonin levels: A lack of sunlight can also cause your brain to produce less serotonin (a chemical that affects people’s happiness).
- Change in melatonin levels: Melatonin plays a major role in your sleep schedule and habits. Changes in the amount of daylight can disrupt your standard level of melatonin.