Seasonal Affective Disorder — also known as SAD — is a common mental health issue around the world. Most people who experience SAD, do so in the winter. Lack of sunlight, time outside, and recreational activities all contribute to the issue.
Clinically Diagnosed SAD is technically a Major Depressive Disorder, so about 5% of the US population is diagnosed with it. However, many people experience at least one of the symptoms to a degree. When people develop SAD, it typically lasts about 40% of the year!
The cold months are when most people experience SAD because the days are shorter, it’s harder to go outside, and the cold really makes you want to lie and be under a blanket.
According to the National Institutes of Health, “Millions of American adults may suffer from SAD, although many may not know they have the condition.”
As we talked about in our post about the benefits of sunlight, exposing your eyes to morning sunlight and direct sunlight exposure on your skin has miraculous effects. The morning sunlight releases hormones in your body that boost energy and alertness. It also starts the melatonin clock, which means that you’ll become tired in a reasonable amount of time and want to sleep.
During the colder months when days are shorter and the sun is hiding, many people want to hibernate. With limited sun — and possibly no sun for the first hour a lot of people are waking up — that morning cortisol release just isn’t happening. That means that your hormones are all messed up.
While the “cold months” aren’t quite so long in East Tennessee and North Georgia as in other parts of the country, it doesn’t mean we’re immune to these issues. If you find yourself sleeping too much, gaining weight, or just feeling like hibernating (being antisocial), there’s a chance you’re struggling with SAD.
Scientists don’t quite know what causes SAD but from what we know about how the sun affects our bodies, the lack of vitamin D can’t help!
How to Treat It
You could treat SAD with antidepressants, but most doctors who really care about your well-being won’t just jump to prescribing medication. A good doctor takes a holistic approach to your health.
SAD seems to be caused by hormonal issues that occur in people’s bodies as the seasons change. So what are some treatments that don’t include psychiatric medication?
- Sunlight Exposure
- Healthy Diet
- Regular bed and wake times
- Physical Exercise
- Vitamin D
- Therapy
I’m not a doctor nor am I claiming to be one. According to Doctors, Neuroscientists, and the NIH, these are all potential treatments to SAD. Many of the treatments for SAD have a direct relation to recommendations for better health. Since SAD is a mental health issue that appears to be caused by less sunlight, less physical activity, and reclusion, doing the opposite of those things to improve hormonal balance in the body can actively fight SAD! This advice is only for mild cases.
For those with more severe cases, more steps will be necessary. Please contact a therapist and make an appointment to receive the care you need.
SAD and Sunrooms
Why are we posting about this? The number one reason is because it’s important. Technically, summer comes to an end in two days, but we know that the short days and cold don’t settle in for about another month (Thank God!).
The bright side about that is you can start implementing these habits now! This is the time to implement consistent bed and wake routines, a sustainable diet, and more. Then when the cold sets in and the sun starts hiding, you have the tools to fight SAD before it settles in.
Another important factor is having the relationship with the sun that your body needs! 2-10 minutes of morning sunlight hitting your eyes is an easy, reliable way to boost energy, increase focus, and boost sleep.
Having a sunroom or other enclosure solution — especially facing the sunrise — is a great way to maximize morning sunlight comfortably. All Seasons Sunrooms can help you get your enclosure solution built before the darkness sets in!
Direct sunlight is also extremely important for hormone regulation. As little as twenty minutes of sunlight per day can drastically improve emotions and energy!