The Difference Between Sad And Depression
Life can be overwhelming with both low and high moments. It is normal to feel under the weather when things are not going your way. However, if the state of sadness persists, it can affect the quality of your day-to-day life. Depression can manifest in many different ways.
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Luckily, depression is treatable using a combination of psychological therapy and medical prescriptions. This piece breaks down the key differences between seasonal affective disorder and depression. Read on to uncover the symptoms and treatment procedures for these two types of depression.
Differentiating Between SAD And Depression
Distinguishing between seasonal affective depression and major depression can be challenging because both conditions have identical symptoms. Ultimately, the difference between these two conditions comes down to timing. However, the occurrence of depressive episodes during the winter and fall doesn't automatically mean you have a seasonal affective disorder. Additionally, cases of depression tend to be higher in winter months than in other months.
For a clinician to conclude that a patient has SAD, the patient should exhibit a pattern of depression symptoms that manifest during specific times of the year for at least two years. The seasonal symptoms must outweigh the unpredictable symptoms. If you are unsure what type of depression you are dealing with, your best option is to visit a clinician for diagnosis and specialized treatment.
Diagnosing Deasonal Depression
It is advisable to visit a clinician If you suspect that you have seasonal depression. Depression can arise due to many factors. Seasonal depression can arise due to underlying mental health problems. Psychiatrists and psychologists have the expertise to detect and diagnose symptoms of all types of depression. Only after carefully assessing the pattern of symptoms can a clinician tell whether a patient has seasonal depression.
Treating Depression Symptoms
There are a variety of treatment options available to treat depression. Phototherapy or bright light therapy is one example of a treatment procedure effective against SAD. Phototherapy involves subjecting the patient to daily sessions of exposure to bright light to enhance overall mood. A 15-minute session of bright light therapy is enough to bring positive results to patients with seasonal depression.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is another effective treatment for SAD. This psychological therapy involves having one on one sessions with a therapist and produces long-lasting effects. The psychologist can also prescribe antidepressant medications to the patient, especially when seasonal depression is due to brain chemical imbalance.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Explained
Seasonal affective disorder, abbreviated as SAD, refers to a form of depression arising from changes in seasons. The condition follows a predictable pattern where it occurs mainly during certain times of the year. SAD is more prevalent in higher latitude areas such as Canada and the northern USA that experience extreme seasonal changes.
Common Symptoms Of SAD
The symptoms of SAD start to manifest in the fall and continue throughout the winter period. However, the symptoms do go away in late spring and at the start of summer. The symptoms become more severe as the winter progresses. Below are some of the symptoms of SAD.
• Feeling depressed and under the weather for most of the day.
• Lack of interest in activities you usually enjoy.
• Sleeping disorders may range from mild to full-blown insomnia.
• Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and low self-esteem.
• Sluggishness and irritability.
• A dip in energy levels.
• Changes in appetite may lead to weight gain.
• In extreme cases, patients can develop suicidal thoughts.
The above symptoms, if left untreated, can negatively affect your daily life. Fortunately, there are treatment programs to help patients cope and overcome SAD.
What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Medical researchers are yet to establish the actual cause of seasonal depression. A common theory is the lack of sunlight during the winter period in high latitude areas. Lack of sufficient sunlight can interfere with the biological clock, thus disrupting people's sleep and eating patterns. Disruptions of the biological clock also bring about mood swings and hormonal imbalance.
Another theory is the imbalance of brain chemicals. The neurotransmitters in the brain are responsible for relaying information in our nervous system. One of the common brain chemicals, serotonin, is responsible for feelings of joy and happiness. Low levels of serotonin can put people at risk of developing seasonal depression.
Deficiencies in Vitamin D can lead to reduced levels of serotonin. Low exposure to sunlight that is common in the winter months, raises the risk of vitamin D deficiency. This deficiency can hinder serotonin production, which in turn leads to mood dampening and low energy levels.
How Common Is SAD?
In North America, about five percent of adults will experience symptoms of SAD during the winter months. The condition affects both young and old but is more prevalent in young adults. Women are more susceptible to SAD than men and account for more than seventy percent of SAD cases. People with other mood disorders such as bipolar disorder are also at risk of developing SAD. You are also at risk if you have relatives with a history of mental health conditions such as schizophrenia. SAD can also lead to other mental conditions such as anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome (ADHD).
Author: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice regarding health or finances. It is not intended to endorse any individual or company. This article is AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should consult a qualified professional for personal advice.
