SAD in the Fall
When your mental health, such as anxiety or depression, starts to change when the
seasons change, it is not a coincidence. It can actually be about the changes in your
life, both physical and mental, that bring this on. When you experience worsened
depression that seems to be seasonal, such as during the fall, it is called seasonal
affective disorder (SAD). While this is more common in the colder months, some people
also experience it in the summer or spring.
Not only can it cause depression during the fall, but anxiety as well. Here are some
things to know about getting SAD in the fall season.
Common Signs of Seasonal Anxiety or Depression
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and seasonal anxiety have very similar symptoms.
This includes a combination of physical and emotional changes that may come on
suddenly, or start gradually appearing near the end of summer and beginning of fall.
Some signs and symptoms to look out for include:
Being lethargic and having low energy
Losing interest in your favorite activities
Racing heartbeat
Becoming restless and unable to focus
Lack of concentration
Issues with sleeping too much or too little
Losing your appetite
Becoming irritable and moody
Agitation
Having an overwhelming sense of dread
Obsessing over small things
As you can see, there is a wide range of symptoms you might experience from SAD,
which can often be the same as anxiety during the fall.
What Can Cause it?
While there is no single cause of seasonal depression and anxiety, experts believe
there are a few different possibilities. With SAD, it is most likely associated with the
reduced sunlight that you experience when the weather changes in the fall. With less
exposure to the sunlight, it can affect your circadian rhythms and affect both the
melatonin and serotonin in your brain.
With fall anxiety, it is likely from a similar problem, though anxiety can also be from the
change in your routine, changes in the fall you weren’t prepared for, and worry for your
children when they start school. It is a complex condition with many variables.
Treatments Available
When you are diagnosed with seasonal depression, it is important that you get proper
treatment from your doctor or mental health professional. Depression from SAD is just
as serious as any other type of depression.
If you are experiencing autumn anxiety, you can start with home treatments, though you
should also see a therapist if it is lowering your quality of time.
Some treatment options include:
Breathing exercises
Changing your daily routine
Reducing caffeine intake
Using a light therapy box
Taking a vitamin D supplement
Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor if these and other treatments aren’t helping.
0 Comments