Battling Seasonal Affective Disorder Chicago IL
Battling Seasonal Affective Disorder
As the long days of summer fade away with the warm weather, many of us start to feel blue. But, that sinking feeling may not be just a normal reaction to the approaching chill of winter - for millions, it's a form of major depression called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.
Seasonal affective disorder affects about 10 million Americans, and health officials estimate that another 25 million suffer from a mild form of SAD called the winter blues.
In the majority of cases seasonal affective disorder strikes between fall and winter, with symptoms usually beginning in October and lasting until March or April. However, symptoms peak in December, January and February.
Seasonal affective disorder doesn't typically affect people under 20 years old, and about 75 to 80 percent of people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder are women. To be diagnosed with SAD you must have had the symptoms for at least three consecutive autumns or winters, and the symptoms must subside in summer.
Some of the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are similar to those people with major depression experience. These include:
- depressed mood
- hopelessness
- oversleeping
- lethargy or lack of energy
- overeating and weight gain
- focus or memory problems
- feelings of guilt
- suicidal thoughts
- lack of interest in activities or social interaction
One of the key characteristics of this form of depression is an intense craving for carbohydrates or sweets. Symptoms also aren't related to any life event, such as job loss or loss of a loved one...
