Helping S.A.D. Patients: Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness and Prevention
Autumn has seasonal perks that we wait for all year: pumpkin spice lattes, festivals, and sweater weather. But for patients who are at risk for or experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), these next few months aren’t always a time for celebration.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of seasonal depression that affects patients during fall and winter. While the cause is undetermined, experts believe that our bodies respond negatively to a deficit of sunlight caused by decreased amounts of Vitamin D and the sun setting earlier in the day.
On top of cold weather and lack of sun, fall and winter tend to be a busy time for patients. Many are sending children back to school, handling important end-of-year workloads and partaking in stressful holiday preparation and events.
All of these factors are important to consider when treating patients during these months. Below we’ll discuss the symptoms of S.A.D. as well as ways to prevent and monitor your patients who may need care in this area.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of S.A.D. may include:
- Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day
- Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyed
- Having low energy and feeling sluggish
- Having problems with sleeping too much
- Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
- Having thoughts of not wanting to live
Who is Affected By S.A.D.?
While Seasonal Affective Disorder can happen to anyone, it typically disproportionally affects women. Furthermore, patients with a history of psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, may be at increased risk of developing S.A.D.
What Patients Can Do to Prevent or Alleviate Symptoms of S.A.D.
Treatments for S.A.D. range from simple self-help routines and behavioral techniques to medication where appropriate. For those experiencing a more mild form of S.A.D., activities that enhance mood and boost serotonin are encouraged such as exercise, spending time with loved ones, eating a balanced diet, taking vitamin D supplements and exposure to UV light or sunlight, if available.
When simple steps aren’t enough, cognitive behavioral therapy can be prescribed to help equip patients with the tools to handle what they’re feeling. Typically, talking through one’s emotions and feelings can be one of the most effective treatments for any kind of depression or psychological issues, including S.A.D.
When patient’s have tried a variety of techniques but they haven’t been helping, they may need to talk to you or a referring provider about a medication that is right for them.
The Importance of Talking to Patients
Being able to comfortably and confidently talk to your patients about mental health will open them up to the many possibilities of treatment they may need. Having these conversations will help you take better care of your patients.
Even if your speciality is not in psychology, it’s important to speak with your at-risk patients about their mental health during the next few months so that you can refer them to a professional that can help them feel their very best, if needed.
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SOURCES:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9293-seasonal-depression
https://bodysite.com/how-to-talk-to-patients-about-mental-health-and-why-its-important/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21208-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt