Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Am I the only one who feels depressed whenever winter comes, or are there others who suffer from this problem?
As the end of a year approaches and we welcome a new year, we do not know what is in store for us. Some people (especially women) may be affected by multiple psychological and social factors, which create a state of seasonal stress. Seasonal anxiety or stress is often associated with seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that coincides with the changes in the seasons each year.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Symptoms and Causes
The causes of this type of depression are still unknown, confirms Dr. Al Rostamani. Although scientific research is continuing to uncover the essence and causes of this phenomenon, scientists have not yet arrived at a scientific explanation for it. However, there are many likely causes of seasonal stress, including the change in the number of hours of day and night and the lack of light in this season, which causes internal turmoil in individuals who find it difficult to adapt to environmental changes, and generates a feeling of sadness and sometimes anger.
Exposure to natural light during the day.
Eat food that contains vitamins and salts.
Exercise regularly.
Activating social relationships and talking to close ones and friends, which relieves stress and helps expand the horizon of thinking, relieve internal pressures, and vent what individuals suffer silently.
Find time to relax away from social media and be alone with yourself, to create an internal balance that helps develop internal flexibility and manage and control emotions.
But what if these changes don’t work, will I need medical intervention?
Yes; Some individuals sometimes need some time to adapt when new seasons enter, especially the winter season. If seasonal stress continues and you notice its strong negative impact on your life, such that it limits your ability to practice daily life in a healthy and balanced manner, then medical intervention is necessary, according to Dr. Al Rostamani.
Light therapy: where the individual receives treatment by exposure to sunlight-like light for a specific period of time, in order to cause chemical changes in the brain aimed at improving mood.
Seasonal antidepressant medications are used if the symptoms are very strong, and they must be under the supervision and follow-up of a psychiatrist.
Psychological treatments: Through sessions with a psychologist who uses different methods to treat seasonal depression, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which relies on focusing on transforming negative thoughts and behaviors into positive thoughts and behaviors.
Conclusion
It is necessary to remember and focus on the positives of this period, which the individual can consider as a golden opportunity to review oneself, celebrate achievements, and enhance the spirit of gratitude for what one has achieved at all levels, whether work, family, social circle, and self-development. Therefore, do not let seasonal affective disorder lead you towards absolute negativity, but rather take it as a path that helps you discover yourself more and explore the depths of your inner strength to use it to improve and develop yourself for the better.
FAQs
- What is seasonal affective disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that coincides with the changes in the seasons each year. - What are the causes of seasonal affective disorder?
The causes of this type of depression are still unknown, but likely causes include the change in the number of hours of day and night and the lack of light in this season, which causes internal turmoil in individuals who find it difficult to adapt to environmental changes. - How can I treat seasonal affective disorder?
Non-medical treatments include exposure to natural light during the day, eating food that contains vitamins and salts, exercising regularly, and activating social relationships. Medical interventions include light therapy, seasonal antidepressant medications, and psychological treatments. - How can I prevent seasonal affective disorder?
Focus on the positives of this period, review yourself, celebrate achievements, and enhance the spirit of gratitude for what you have achieved at all levels.