Daylight Savings “fall back” comes with an extra hour of sleep, but the lack of light can greatly affect our mental health more than you would think.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition in which an individual experiences depressive mood and symptoms during late fall and early winter.
Late fall or about the middle of November are typically when most SAD symptoms emerge.
They tend to taper off when spring arrives. These symptoms may include:
- Increase in sleep and daytime drowsiness
- Low energy levels
- Loss of interest and pleasure in favorite activities
- Irritability and anxiety
- Guilt and hopelessness
- Social withdrawal
- Troubles concentrating or thinking clearly
- Weight gain
Women are more dispositioned to SAD — as are people who tend to live farther north or south of the equator, according to the Mayo Clinic, which is likely due to lack of light. Those with bipolar disorder are also especially prone.
“Knowing your level of predisposition to SAD is imperative to recognizing it and receiving further treatment during those months if your physician deems it necessary,” said Justin Watkins, psychiatric nurse practitioner at McLaren Bay Region. “If you have an existing mental health condition, you are more vulnerable to SAD, so it’s especially important during this time to keep an eye on your symptoms and if they worsen, seek medical attention from your provider as soon as possible.”
Exercising, spending time with loved ones, keeping up with your hobbies, and using a light box can all be helpful to improve your mood.
If you feel you have a more serious case of SAD, your physician may prescribe another form of treatment such as Spravato or admission to our partial hospitalization program.
McLaren Bay Regional Behavioral Health is here to help offering support for disorders including SAD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse. Contact McLaren Bay Regional Behavioral Health at (989) 667-6231 to learn more about our programs and other treatment options.
If you or someone you love is experiencing potentially life-threatening side effects such as suicidal ideation, please contact 9-1-1 immediately or call the Suicide Prevention Hotline by dialing 9-8-8. Help is available.