Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder in Seniors in Albuquerque
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Common signs of seasonal affective disorder include fatigue, irritability, and changes in appetite. Seeking immediate treatment can help you live a happier, healthier life.
According to Mental Health America, as much as 5% of the US population experiences seasonal depression (SAD). Depending on the geographic region, the prevalence could reach as high as 10%.
Seasonal depression is more than hourly energy drops or feeling down. It could affect your ability to function while living in Albuquerque, NM. Knowing how to spot the signs of seasonal affective disorder can help you seek immediate treatment.
Ready to improve your emotional wellness this year? Read on to learn more about winter depression symptoms.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that can cause changes in your mood and behavior.It occurs as the season changes, usually starting in the late fall or early winter.
This type of depression is characterized by its recurrent seasonal pattern. Symptoms can last for four to five months each year.
Who Is at Risk of SAD?
Seasonal affective disorder is more common in:
- Young adults
- Women
- People living far north (where there are shorter daylight hours in the winter)
- People with depression or bipolar disorder
- People with other mental disorders (such as an anxiety or panic disorder)
Seasonal affective disorder can run in families. It's sometimes more common in people who have relatives with other mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or major depression.
Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder
You may not experience all of these winter depression symptoms. These symptoms may begin as mild and worsen as the season progresses.
Common signs of seasonal affective disorder include:
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Having low energy and feeling sluggish
- Mood shifts in older adults
- Sleep disturbance in seniors (sleeping too much)
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Feeling sad, down, or listless most of the day, nearly every day
- Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
- Craving carbohydrates, overeating, and weight gain
Consult a doctor if you begin experiencing these symptoms. They'll determine if you have SAD or another mental health condition.
Failing to seek treatment may cause your symptoms to worsen. Potential complications include:
- Other mental health disorders (such as eating or anxiety disorders)
- Substance abuse
- Work or school problems
- Social withdrawal
According to the National Institute on Aging, social withdrawal and loneliness can pose health risks in seniors. They may increase your risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- A weakened immune system
- Heart disease
- Alzheimer's disease
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cognitive decline
Emotional Wellness Tips
If you experience symptoms of SAD, consult a mental health professional. They may recommend:
- Vitamin D supplements
- Light therapy
- Exercise
- Adjusting your diet
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy)
A mental health professional may recommend lifestyle changes. For example, exercise can boost serotonin and dopamine levels. These neurotransmitters affect mood regulation.
You can find fun exercise classes through your senior living community's fitness program. Exercising with friends can ease feelings of stress and loneliness.
Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet that's high in nutrient-dense foods. Plant-based foods are high in antioxidants that may offer neuroprotective benefits. They may affect your mood.
You can find delicious, nutritious chef-prepared meals through your senior living community's dining program. Ask friends to join you to make mealtime more enjoyable.
Make time for fun this winter. You can discover new hobbies through your community's events and activities calendar. Consider:
- Karaoke
- Movie night
- Book club
- Bingo
- Puzzles
- Cooking
- Indoor gardening
- Arts and crafts
- Quilting, knitting, and crocheting
Engaging in activities with other seniors can give you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Lean on your friends when you experience winter depression symptoms. Their presence may help improve your emotional wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Month Does SAD Start?
Seasonal affective disorder symptoms often appear in the late fall or early winter. They may not go away until the spring or summer, when there are more hours of sunlight.
However, some people experience depressive symptoms during the spring and summer. This form of seasonal depression is called summer-pattern SAD or summer depression. It's less common than winter-pattern SAD.
What's the Worst Month for SAD?
People commonly begin experiencing symptoms of SAD in late October through November. However, January and February are usually the worst months for SAD overall.During peak winter, there are fewer daylight hours, which may trigger symptoms.
Symptoms of winter-pattern SAD may not fully subside until early May.
What Triggers Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Researchers haven't confirmed the exact cause of seasonal affective disorder. However, SAD is possibly triggered by a change in sunlight exposure.
People with winter-pattern SAD often have lower levels of the brain chemical (neurotransmitter) serotonin. Serotonin helps the body regulate mood.
Certain molecules help the body maintain normal serotonin levels. Receiving less sunlight exposure during the winter may keep these molecules from functioning, which can cause serotonin levels to drop.
Sunlight exposure also helps the body naturally create vitamin D. Vitamin D promotes serotonin activity. If you're not getting enough vitamin D from your diet, fewer hours of sunlight may cause your vitamin D levels to drop.
SAD may relate to an increase in melatonin levels. Melatonin is a chemical that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Excessive melatonin levels can cause increased sleepiness.
Not getting enough sunlight exposure can cause your melatonin levels to increase. You may feel sleepy and fatigued during the winter.
Don't Ignore Mood Shifts in Older Adults
Consult a mental health professional if you experience signs of seasonal affective disorder. They help by developing a treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms. Remember, you can find more emotional wellness resources through your senior living community.
The foundation for daily living at Morada Albuquerque is exceptional standards for resident care. We offer attentive, friendly service through our exclusive senior lifestyle programs.
Enjoy chef-prepared dishes through Elevate Dining, Vibrant Life Activities & Events like the world's largest balloon fiesta, and senior-specific health and fitness classes like yoga. These amenities are designed to enrich your everyday life. Contact us now to schedule your tour.