For some, the coming of the cold winter days can make people rejoice. However, for many, the chill and lack of sunlight can put a damper on the holiday spirit. Here are 10 things that people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) want you to know.
1. We are not being overdramatic.
SAD affects more than 3 million people in the US. The blues usually starts in fall and continues into the winter months. This is a very real disorder that does affect many people.
2. We aren't "sad" because winter is coming.
In fact, our bodies are just out of whack. Our circadian rhythms are messed up. Also, a big component of SAD is the lack of sunlight we receive during the winter months, which affects the serotonin levels in our brains, causing depression.
3. Yes, therapy for SAD is a thing.
Some people seek out regular therapy sessions from counselors to talk through their depression. However, some people opt for phototherapy, or light therapy. Basically, we sit in front of a light that mimics the suns rays and tricks our brain into thinking we are getting the nutrients we need from the sun.
4. SAD is a subset of depression and bipolar disorder.
So please don't think that our disorder is invalid.
5. We experience a lot of the same symptoms that people with year round depression experience.
That means we also experience increased/decreased appetite, sleeping too much or too little, decreased social contact, etc.
6. There is no cure for SAD.
So even though we can cope with the seasonal changes, the depression is still there every single year. It's something we live with. Just like any other disorder.
7. Symptoms can start as early as age 6.
Although SAD is more common in people aged 20-30, studies show that kids can also be affected by SAD.
8. SAD is more common in women, but that does not mean that men cannot develop SAD as well.
Men are not immune to SAD. Far too often does the media skip over mens mental health. Sadly, no gender is immune to any mental disorder, although we all wish that was the case. Men experience the same SAD symptoms as women.
9. SAD can occur in the summer as well.
Although not as common, people can experience depression in the summer months as well. Summer depression is also known to cause severe violence. So, in a way, summer SAD could definitely be worse.
10. We deserve love and support just like anyone else with a mental health problem.
No mental health issue should be taken lightly. Everyone should be supportive of any person who is trying to cope with their problems, no matter how big or small. In the end, we are all humans, trying to make it day to day and live our lives.
