A person may develop the seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or seasonal depression if they experience emotional difficulties and low energy during the year's darkest months. Health professionals warn the COVID-19 epidemic may make this disease much more challenging.
Many people develop seasonal affective disorder (SAD, or seasonal depression) during the gloomy fall and winter seasons when days get shorter. This is especially true for those who reside in nations farther from the equator. It is a form of depression in which a person's feelings and behavior may be affected by repeating seasonal patterns in their mood and energy levels. According to experts, SAD this year may be particularly difficult for those who are still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic's persistent psychological impacts.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Winter-specific SAD: Trusted Source begins in the fall, deteriorates through the winter, and improves in the spring. And if that occurs consistently over the course of most years, someone gets SAD.
In addition to feeling exhausted and depressed for the majority of the day for two or more weeks, having low energy and putting off important tasks or responsibilities, having an increased appetite and potentially gaining weight, having a tendency to isolate oneself and avoid social interactions, and having a tendency to oversleep are some symptoms that are common.
What Triggers Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
According to research, certain people's reactions to shorter days may contribute to seasonal affective low mood. Although less frequent, affective seasonal patterns of depression can still happen in the summer. It is more difficult than you imagine. The rate of onset and abatement of symptoms depends greatly on where you reside because cities at the same latitude might experience quite variable rates of change in solar insolation due to climate.
We are aware that many mammalian species begin to exhibit winter-like physiology and behavior when exposed to various types of winter light. The majority of human brains appear to be aware of the length of the light-dark cycle despite the fact that we live in artificial surroundings, and many studies have shown that the chemistry of people's [brains] varies over the year.
How to Prevent SAD or Manage Symptoms?
Because the time the sun rises is the most significant circadian signal in many animals, exposure to bright light first thing in the morning has been well-validated by numerous studies. The brain believes it is summer if you trick it into believing it is a sunny day early in the morning rather than believing it is winter. When you're feeling depressed, think about undertaking a simpler chore that could improve your mood.
Play or converse with your furry buddies for a while. Consider volunteering at your neighborhood animal shelter if you don't already have a pet, or just spend a little time cuddling with a plush animal or fuzzy blanket. Make unique rituals, customs, traditions, and memories. According to researchers, doing so allows you to escape the drama and presents an opening for communication that you may otherwise overlook or avoid. Accept making manageable, straightforward adjustments in your life. Change the home's furniture, for instance. By making tiny changes, this tactic stimulates creativity and enhances the likelihood that people will feel that their lives have more meaning and value. Engage in mindfulness exercises and do not neglect your favorite pastimes, such as gardening, exercise, riding, hiking, and other civic activity that may catch your interest. Spend time helping a cause. These activities offer the chance to make a good difference in the lives of others, decrease feelings of loneliness, and enhance participation in meaningful and purposeful activities. Put on your preferred attire. According to researchers, this straightforward action may boost your mood and self-esteem.
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