Seasonal Affective Disorder is a unique type of depression that displays a number of key symptoms during specific time-frames, year upon year. This suggests there could be a strong correlation between the reduction of sunlight during changing seasons and the disturbances this causes within an individual’s circadian rhythm. can affect people from all over, it’s more typically found in those living further from the equator (such as the northern climates). that affects anywhere from 10 to 20 per cent of the population, making it a much more common condition than many today realize.Īlthough S.A.D. While it may not be widely promoted or talked about, the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder can impact those from all walks of life, including young people, women, or those with a family history of depression. – Seasonal Affective Disorder, however, there still remains an astounding amount of people who’ve never heard of it or simply don’t know what it is. Definitive Guide to Seasonal Affective Disorder & Addiction ĭefinitive Guide to Seasonal Affective Disorder & Addiction Īnywhere from 4-6% of the population in America suffers from S.A.D.I don’t think people take it very seriously,” Mathias said. “I think it is more of a joke to most people, a lot of people joke about it. SAD presents differently in every person and is more serious than most people think, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Seasonal affective disorder in society is often written off as a normal feeling of sadness during the winter, and not a mental illness. It’s a form of blue light that gives you vitamin D similar to what the sun would do in the summer… the happy light didn’t do much for me,” Kraus said. Kraus had her own experience with light therapy. Research on SAD and light therapy is limited, and the FDA does not approve of, test, or regulate light therapy boxes according to Rosenthal. However, light therapy, also known as phototherapy, only benefits around 60 to 80 percent of people. One of the most common is probably the light therapy type of things, and I know in some cases medication is warranted,” guidance counselor Shana Borgen said. “There are various different approaches and whatnot. A lightbox is used to emit high-intensity light that is brighter than normal indoor lighting in order to stimulate cells that connect the eye to the hypothalamus, which helps control the circadian rhythm, according to senior editor for mental health publishing at Harvard University, Michael Craig Miller. Light therapy is a common treatment to help diminish symptoms of SAD. The lack of sun also diminishes serotonin levels, which are important for balancing mood and can lead to an onset of depression,” psychology teacher Sara Ibs said. This leads to the disruption in some people’s circadian rhythm, which can impact hormone levels, such as melatonin … sleep is needed for mood regulation. “Seasonal affective disorder is caused by a lack of sunlight. Decreased sunlight also inhibits the release of serotonin, a feel-good chemical, and increases the release of melatonin which aids with sleep according to the Mayo Clinic. The shift in daylight changes the circadian rhythm in the body which could lead to the depressive feelings that come along with SAD. The direct cause of SAD is unknown, however, it is influenced by the level of sunlight that is reduced in the winter months. “In the depth of winter I get less motivated and it’s harder for me to want to get myself to do things, whereas in the summer I always want to be going and doing something,” senior Margaret Kraus said. With many students, grades start to lower and attendance goes down according to KidsHealth Behavioral Experts. A lack of motivation and desire to go out occurs because of a change in mood and energy. SAD challenges students in school and in their social lives as well. “I just find myself a little bit more sad than usual … I have less motivation, fatigue and just being more groggy,” sophomore Sydney Mathias said. SAD is most common in the northern part of the United States where the seasons change drastically between winter and spring according to psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal. This disorder comes with an increased depressed state of mind and a lack of motivation, along with other life-hindering symptoms in many teens and young adults. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) impacts around 4 to 6 percent of the population in the United States.
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