The symptoms of SAD are similar to those experienced by people with depression and affect 11 million people in the U.S. each year. The disorder starts and ends at about the same time every year but can affect individuals throughout their lives in different seasons.
Researchers have found evidence that certain hormones are responsible for triggering attitude-related changes in the brain, leading to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Experts believe this is due to hormone levels changing at different times of the year.
It’s hard to know the number-one cause of SAD, but it typically starts in young adulthood and affects more women than men. Some people have mild symptoms that make them feel out or cranky, while others may suffer from worse ones – which can interfere with other relationships, including work and personal relationships.
Signs and symptoms of SAD may include:
- Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Having low energy
- Having problems with sleeping
- Experiencing changes in your appetite or weight
If you’re feeling down for days at a time and can’t get motivated to do activities that are typically enjoyable, see your doctor. This is especially important if the changes in sleep patterns or appetite have made it hard for you. Drinking alcohol as an escape from reality might also be evidence of this problem going beyond just being “normal” depression, As wells as feelings of hopelessness or thoughts about suicide.
Chat & Resource Information – Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-condi@ons/seasonal-affec@ve-disorder/ symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
National Institute of Mental Health
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publica@ons/seasonal-affec@ve-disorder
Health Care Rights – U S Dept of Health & Human Services
- https://www.hhs.gov/answers/health-insurance-reform/what-are-my-health-care-rights/ index.html
Local Hospital Patient Rights
- https://yalehealth.yale.edu/pa@ent-rights-responsibili@es
- https://harcordhealthcare.org/health-wellness/health-resources/health-library/ detail?id=abo3587