Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Know the Signs

Ever dreamt of being in a warm place with beautiful sandy beaches, nice palm trees and sunny weather amidst the cool fall weather? If you ever had this feeling as if you want to head straight to the South, then you are experiencing what other women experience as well. There are a number of women who get into the feeling of depression as an effect of weather transition from a warm summer to the early cool air of winter. This is referred to by experts as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. The onset of this disorder depends on where a person leaves. Generally, it starts around the later part of September lasting until the end of April.

The most usual symptoms of SAD according to women are: 

Irregularities in sleeping pattern or difficulty in regulating the sleep cycle

One of the usual symptoms presented by women suffering from SAD includes strong desire to sleep. Some even have difficulty staying awake. This can lead to intense feeling of fatigue. This can be attributed to interruptions during sleep with constant events of wakefulness. There is difficulty in maintaining a normal sleeping cycle. Women with SAD also have a tendency to wake up very early.

Lethargy

A woman with SAD may also have difficulty in performing her usual daily tasks. This is apart from feeling extreme tiredness. Daily obligations get affected by lack of interest to do anything. Guilt may also be felt as a result of being unproductive although it can be ignored due to the nature of her condition. There are some women who had lost their jobs secondary to severe cases of SAD. Their family becomes severely affected as an end result.

Depression

Depression is very common among women with SAD. This include feelings of guilt, low self esteem, hopelessness and misery. Extreme cases can numb a woman to a point where she can lose her self worth. Those women, whose depression leads to an apathetic state, can manifest symptoms of self destruction as well.

The tendency to overeat

Women who suffer from SAD also have bouts of overeating. Cravings for certain foods especially those high in sugar content and those in the form of carbohydrates is common. This can lead to weight gain which later on can initiate signs of depression.

Anxiousness

Women with SAD usually suffer from social anxiety as well. They avoid being with anybody and dislike social events. They can be frustrated and extremely irritated when issues about society are being brought up. Being unable to manage her increasing stress may lead to decrease in interest for physical contact with her partner. This is referred to as general anxiety. There are some who experience reduction of hypomania or ability to stay overly active in spring and summer. This can disappear in spring together with the other symptoms of SAD.

All of the symptoms need not be present

Sub-syndromal SAD is a case wherein other symptoms stay such as lethargy, eating disorder and sleeping problem. Depression and anxiousness are not present or are in mild forms. Therefore it is important to note that even if some symptoms are not apparent, Seasonal Affective Disorder may still be present.

Lights and Lamps can help improve a person’s condition

The good news is that there is a good option for women with SAD and that includes the use of lights and lamps. They can improve a person’s condition and can reduce the symptoms of SAD without the help of medications and therapy. There is a wide range of lights and lamps to choose from. Women with SAD should consider using these products to feel better and get back on track.