By Kristen Sohlman, HBA, MACP (Candidate), RP Do you ever notice that you struggle with a low mood, that you are lacking energy, or are moodier in the fall and winter seasons? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs seasonally and is related to the changes in level of sunlight that you are exposed to during seasons of low daylight. It is important to realize that SAD can occur at other times of the year, for example, for those who work nightshifts who may not have access to as much natural light as those that are awake during the day. Some of the reasons that SAD may occur involves a lack of natural light that may actually affect your biological clock or circadian rhythm and may influence the release of chemicals in your body such as serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin, affecting your mood. What are some of the signs of SAD?
What are the risk factors?
What can you do to reduce the impacts of SAD?
References: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation. (2018). Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). CAMH. [Web page] Retrieved from https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/seasonal-affective-disorder Mayo Clinic. (2017). Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Mayo Clinic. [Web page] Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651 |
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