The winter months are usually a time of cheer and celebration and increased social activity. Our lives burst with meaning and purpose as we close out one year and herald in a new one. This season isn’t all fun and games for everyone, though, and it can be a challenging time for many people, particularly those who struggle with anxiety or depression.

You may have noticed that your anxiety symptoms get worse or more frequent during the colder and darker months of the year. Coincidence? I think not! There is a condition called seasonal anxiety disorder, or SAD, that affects millions of people around the world. Seasonal anxiety disorder is a type of anxiety that is triggered by the change of seasons, usually from fall to winter.

This guide will give you the low-down details about SAD and show you how you can overcome its effects with help from Laguna Shores Recovery in Orange County, California.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that occurs when the seasons change, normally affecting people during the fall and winter months when there is less daylight and more darkness. Some people may also experience SAD during the spring and summer months, but this is less common.

The exact cause of SAD is not known, but it may be related to changes in the body’s internal clock, brain chemicals, vitamin D levels, or genetic factors. Certain people may be more at risk of developing SAD than others, such as women, people with a family or personal history of depression, or people who live far from the equator.

Why Does Seasonal Depression Increase In The Winter?

There are different reasons why seasonal depression may increase in the winter. A few possible reasons could be:

• The lack of sunlight affects your body’s internal clock, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle and mood.
• The lack of sunlight lowers the levels of serotonin, the chemical in your brain that helps you feel happy and calm.
• The lack of sunlight reduces your levels of vitamin D, a nutrient that is important for mental health.
• The cold weather and the stress of the holidays make people feel more isolated and less active.

What Are The Contributing Factors For Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Different factors may contribute to SAD, such as:

• Changes in the body’s internal clock. The lack of sunlight may disrupt the body’s natural rhythm of sleeping and waking, which can affect mood and energy levels.
• Changes in brain chemicals. The lack of sunlight may lower the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. Serotonin levels are also influenced by vitamin D, which is produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight.
• Genetic factors. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to SAD, or inherit certain genes that make them more sensitive to changes in light and dark.
• Environmental and social factors. The cold weather, the stress of the holidays, the isolation from others, and the reduced physical activity may also worsen the symptoms of SAD.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Seasonal Affective Disorder?

SAD isn’t like the regular blues or typical dips in moods that people face from time to time.

It can be differentiated by the following signs and symptoms:

• Feeling sad, hopeless, or irritable almost all day, every day
• No longer being interested in activities you used to love
• Low energy levels, trouble sleeping, or changes in appetite or weight
• Trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Feeling guilty, worthless, or suicidal

These symptoms may vary depending on the season. For example, people with winter SAD may oversleep, overeat, and crave carbohydrates, while people with summer SAD may have trouble sleeping, poor appetite, and anxiety.

How Are Seasonal Affective Disorder And Depression Similar?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and depression are both types of mood disorders that cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and other negative emotions. Both conditions share several common symptoms, such as:

• Losing pleasure and interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Decreasing energy levels and concentration difficulties
• Seeing changes in your sleep, appetite, or weight
• Feeling regretful, powerless, or suicidal

How Are Seasonal Affective Disorder And Depression Different?

There are also some differences between SAD and depression. The main difference is that SAD is related to the changes in the seasons, especially in the winter months when there is less sunlight and more darkness. People with SAD usually feel better when spring comes knocking and the days get longer. Depression, on the other hand, can occur at any time of the year and is not affected by the seasons.

Another difference is that SAD may have some specific symptoms that are not typical of depression, such as

• Craving carbohydrates and gaining weight
• Oversleeping and feeling sluggish
• Having difficulty coping with stress and social situations

How Do I Know If I Am Just Sad Or Have A Mental Illness?

Feeling sad from time to time is normal and something that every human being goes through, especially when going through difficult or stressful situations in life. However, sadness can turn into a mental illness, such as depression, if it lasts for a long time and affects your daily functioning and well-being.

A few signs that you may have a mental illness and not just sadness are:

• You feel sad, hopeless, or empty most of the time, for no apparent reason, or even when things are going well
• You lose interest or delight in activities that you once enjoyed, such as hobbies, work, or socializing
• Your sleeping becomes erratic, you find it hard to eat, you can’t concentrate or make decisions
• You have thoughts of self-harm or ending your life
• You experience physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, or pain, that are not explained by a medical condition

You can take a free online test to see if you may have depression or another mental health condition, but these tests are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis, and you should always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any mental health concerns.

Which Lifestyle Modifications Can I Make To Cope With Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Fortunately, there are some lifestyle modifications that you can make to cope with SAD and improve your mood and well-being. Some of them are:

• Get outside: Try to get some natural sunlight every day, especially in the morning. This can help regulate your body’s internal clock and boost your serotonin levels.
• Be active: Exercising regularly and staying physically fit can help you release endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers.
• Eat well: Have a balanced and nutritious diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.
• Reach out: Stay connected with your friends and family, and seek support from them when you feel down. You can also join a support group or a therapy session to share your feelings and learn coping skills.
• Relax: Practice some relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises as these can help you reduce stress and anxiety, and calm your mind and body.

Which Treatments Are There For Seasonal Affective Disorder And Addiction?

SAD isn’t a condition that you just have to suffer and bear with until it’s over and you can resume your normal functioning. There are different treatments available for both SAD and addiction, depending on your individual needs and preferences. A few common treatments are:

1. Light therapy: This involves exposing yourself to a bright artificial light for a certain amount of time each day, especially in the morning. This can help regulate your body’s internal clock and improve your mood. Though light therapy is often effective for SAD, it may not be enough for addiction.
2. Medications: This may include antidepressants that can balance your brain chemicals and reduce your depression symptoms. Some antidepressants may also help with addiction, especially if you have a co-occurring disorder such as anxiety or bipolar disorder. However, medication alone is not a cure for addiction, and you may need other forms of treatment as well.
3. Addiction Therapy Services: This can help you cope with your negative thoughts and feelings, and learn strategies to manage stress and improve your well-being. Psychotherapy can also help you address the underlying causes of your SAD and addiction, and help you develop healthy coping skills and prevent relapse.
4. Self-help strategies: These can include getting enough natural sunlight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, staying connected with others, and practicing relaxation techniques. These can help you prevent or reduce SAD and addiction, and support your recovery.

These are some of the basic treatments that are available for SAD and addiction. You may benefit from a combination of these treatments, or you may need other forms of treatment that are tailored to your specific situation. The best way to find out what works for you is to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you get a proper diagnosis and find the best treatment option for you.

Laguna Shores Recovery Can Help You Heal

Laguna Shores Recovery is a rehab center in Orange County, CA that offers treatment for both substance use disorders and mental health disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We provide detox programs, residential treatment, and dual diagnosis treatment programs that are tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. We also offer a comfortable and supportive environment where clients can relax and heal.

We hold the belief that recovery is possible for anyone suffering from addiction and mental health issues. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals uses evidence-based and holistic approaches to help clients overcome their challenges and rediscover their passion for life, while also helping clients develop healthy coping skills and prevent relapse.

Contact us today to start your healing journey. Whether you are seeking treatment for the first time or you have struggled with relapse many times, Laguna Shores Recovery can help you.