Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder in Older Adults

Signs of seasonal affective disorder include oversleeping, overeating, and prolonged sadness. Knowing how to spot these signs will allow you to take control of your senior emotional health. 

According to Mental Health America, about 5% of the US population experiences seasonal depression. Without treatment, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can affect your mental and physical wellness. Before that happens, know how to spot the signs of seasonal affective disorder.

You can seek immediate treatment in Atascocita, TX, after recognizing that you're experiencing symptoms. Otherwise, you may develop complications. Read on to learn more about SAD and discover tips for seasonal mood support.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that's triggered by the changing of seasons. Most people experience symptoms in the late fall or early winter. During this time, there are fewer hours of daylight, which may contribute to symptoms.

Some people experience a mild version of SAD. The winter blues may cause you to feel down, especially if you're stuck inside. According to the Cleveland Clinic, as many as 20% of Americans experience the winter blues.

SAD, however, is a form of depression that can affect your daily life if you don't seek treatment. SAD can affect how you think, feel, and behave.

Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder

The American Psychiatric Association classifies SAD as "major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns." Since it's a type of depression, SAD may cause mood changes and other symptoms of major depressive disorder, including:

• Social isolation
• Cravings for carbohydrates and sugar
• Weight gain
• Anxiety
• Feeling sad most of the day, almost daily, for at least two weeks
• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
• Oversleeping
• Arms and legs feeling heavy
• Feeling agitated or irritated
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering

Consult a mental health professional if you experience symptoms of SAD. Avoid self-diagnosing. A professional will determine if you have SAD or another mental health condition.

They'll assess your symptoms to determine if you meet the criteria for a SAD diagnosis, which includes:

• Experiencing symptoms of major depression
• Having depressive episodes during the winter months for at least two consecutive years
• Experiencing depressive episodes more frequently in the winter than during the rest of the year

Tips for Senior Emotional Health

Don't let the winter weather ruin your good mood. Apply these effective lifestyle tips for seasonal mood support.

Greet the Sun

Brighten your day by opening the curtains and greeting the sun each morning. Getting sunlight exposure at the beginning of the day will benefit your circadian rhythm. This internal clock affects your wake-sleep cycle.

This winter, try embracing the Nordic concepts of "friluftsliv" ("free air life") and "hygge" (a cozy mood driven by comfort). To practice friluftsliv, embrace the great outdoors regardless of the weather. For hygge, make your living space comfortable and cozy.

These practices can help you adapt to the cold weather sooner, which may help brighten your mood.

Adjust Your Diet

Prioritize eating whole foods, including:

• Whole grains
• Healthy fats
• Lean proteins (poultry, fish, eggs)
• Lentils and beans
• Nuts and seeds
• Fruits and vegetables

Colorful fruits and vegetables contain different nutrients. These phytonutrients may offer antioxidants and neuroprotective benefits for a better mood.

Exercise

Exercising stimulates dopamine and serotonin production.These brain chemicals can uplift your mood. Explore your senior living community's fitness program for exercise classes like:

• Pilates
• Tai chi
• Yoga or chair yoga
• Water aerobics or swimming
• Walking or hiking groups
• Weight training
• Resistance training

Socialize

Prioritize assisted living engagement by socializing with other seniors in Atascocita, TX. Socializing and fostering strong connections can give you a sense of belonging.You can build a support system to lean on the next time you feel down.

Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar to discover opportunities to socialize.

Request Seasonal Mood Support

You can find professional seasonal mood support and memory care wellness services through your local senior living community. Their senior lifestyle programs can cover:

• Dining
• Activities and events
• Health and fitness

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is At Risk of SAD?

You may be at risk of seasonal affective disorder if you:

• Are female
• Have another mood disorder
• Live at a latitude far north or south of the equator
• Have relatives with other mental health conditions or depression
• Live in a cloudy area

Consult a mental healthcare provider if you're concerned about your risk. They may recommend preventive measures.

Since SAD symptoms occur seasonally, the onset is predictable. You can make lifestyle changes to improve your senior emotional health. 

What Are the Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Your mental healthcare provider may recommend a combination of treatments for SAD, such as:

• Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
• Antidepressant medication
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Vitamin D supplements
• Spending time outdoors
• Bright light therapy

CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps patients identify and manage symptoms.There's evidence that CBT is effective at reducing the recurrence and remission of SAD symptoms.

Sunlight exposure encourages the body's natural production of vitamin D, which in turn boosts serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in influencing mood. 

Getting less sunlight exposure during the darker winter months may lower your vitamin D and serotonin levels.A doctor may recommend vitamin D supplements. Let your doctor know if you already take medications or supplements to avoid potential interactions. 

Bright light therapy involves sitting in front of a special lamp that emits 10,000 lux of light. The device mimics outdoor light settings to help your body produce vitamin D and serotonin. Bright light therapy is considered a key treatment for seasonal depression. 

Improve Winter Mental Health for Seniors

Don't let a lack of sunlight affect your mental or physical health. Instead, request help if you experience signs of seasonal affective disorder. Beginning immediate treatment and taking preventive measures can improve your overall wellness and quality of life.

You can find more helpful mental health resources through your senior living community. Fountainwood at Lake Houston offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care in a home-like environment.

Our lifestyle programs can nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Enjoy delicious and nutrient-dense meals through Sensations Dining, trivia and bingo through Celebrations Activities & Events, or yoga and aerobic classes through Dimensions Health & Wellness. Contact us now to schedule your tour.