The individual suffering with this disorder goes into a depressive state.
If the condition is severe, and it can be in some instances, the patient should be evaluated by their healthcare provider to rule out any medical or neurological disorders, such as a manic-depressive illness or bi-polar paranoid disorders.
The individual with seasonal affective disorder can have a feeling of grief, not unlike the grief felt in losing a loved one, often referred to as the blues or blahs.
The actual cause is unknown, but many believe the lack of sunlight may be a factor.
This may be why it is more prevalent in the winter.
However, it can occur in the spring and summer as well.
Spring and summer can often bring on a condition of SAD with symptoms that are opposite of those individuals with winter SAD.
Here the individual will usually present symptoms of hyperactivity.
What to look for in Winter SAD 1.
A severe feeling of depression.
2.
Anti-social behavior, not wishing to interact with anyone.
3.
Always feeling anxious.
4.
Insomnia.
5.
Having no energy to perform normal daily chores.
6.
An increase of appetite for starchy or foods high in sugar.
7.
The overeating of such foods leading to weight gain.
8.
Loss of libido.
9.
Just being sedentary and becoming a "couch potato", with loss of desire to engage in any activity.
10.
Difficulty in concentration during any form of mental exercise or chore.
What to look for in spring and Summer SAD 1.
Here there may be more a feeling of anxiety than depression.
2.
Loss of appetite.
3.
Loss of weight because of no desire to eat.
4.
May be an increase of libido.
5.
Insomnia.
6.
Irritable most of the time.
7.
Hyperactivity.
Always wanting to do something.
Though there are no cures for winter, spring or Summer SAD, there are ways to combat it so the individual will be less impaired by its symptoms.
Read how in the health hints below.
Health Hints*** 1.
Do not depend on drugs for relief.
2.
Do not hesitate to discuss your problem with a family member or friend.
3.
Do not seek alcohol for relief and limit it's use.
4.
Try to interact with other people whenever possible.
5.
Find something to do and engage in activities of all sorts.
6.
Find an exercise program that suits you.
One that you are comfortable with and dedicate to doing on a daily basis.
Following the above regime will see you through winter, spring or summer SAD.