Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder in Seniors

Common signs of seasonal affective disorder include low energy, sleeping too much, and carbohydrate cravings. Recognizing these symptoms can help you seek immediate treatment before there are complications. 

According to Mental Health America, about 5% of Americans experience seasonal depression. Signs of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) include fatigue, loss of interest in activities, and weight gain. Knowing how to spot these symptoms can ensure you begin immediate treatment.

Don't let the winter weather in San Ramon, CA, bring you down. Instead, read on to learn how to recognize senior depression indicators and how to navigate winter mood changes!

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression. It's more than feeling "down" during the winter. Symptoms can become so severe that winter mood changes affect your ability to function.

Symptoms usually appear in October and cause a drastic decline in November. During this time, there are fewer hours of sunlight.

Getting less sunlight exposure may contribute to SAD symptoms. This may explain why symptoms are most severe in January and February.

How Does SAD Differ From Other Types of Depression?

Unlike major depression, seasonal affective disorder follows a seasonal pattern.Recurring episodes occur more predictably during the winter months. This can make it easier to manage.

The criteria for diagnosing a patient with SAD are similar to those for diagnosing major depression. However, patients with SAD specifically experience symptoms in the fall and winter. For a diagnosis, you must experience symptoms in the winter for two consecutive years.

Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Common SAD senior depression indicators include:

• Fatigue in winter
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances (sleeping too much or difficulty falling asleep)
• Feeling worthless or hopeless
• Persistently feeling sad or down
• Weight gain (usually weight gain)
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Social isolation
• Craving carbohydrates or sugar

Emotional Wellness Tips

Consult a doctor if you experience seasonal mood swings and other symptoms of SAD. They may recommend these lifestyle changes.

Brighten Your Environment

Open the window blinds first thing in the morning. Try to sit near the window while indoors. Getting sunlight exposure may help brighten your mood.

Go Outside

Try to spend more time outside. Sunlight exposure may play a role in improving:

• Melatonin levels
• Serotonin levels
• Your circadian rhythm

Melatonin is a chemical that helps us feel sleepy. Getting less sunlight exposure during the winter may cause an increase in melatonin production.This may alter your sleep patterns and mood.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. This brain chemical affects our mood. Reduced sun exposure can cause serotonin levels to drop.

Getting less sunlight exposure can contribute to a vitamin D deficiency. Over one billion people either have a vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency.

Vitamin D helps the body produce serotonin. Taking a vitamin D supplement may help patients with SAD or other forms of depression. 

Socialize

Social isolation and loneliness may increase your risk of:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Cognitive decline
• Depression
• Anxiety
• A weakened immune system
• Obesity
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure

Social isolation may contribute to your SAD symptoms. Having strong relationships, on the other hand, may boost your mood.

Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar to make new friends. You can explore new hobbies together, which may improve your mood and overall well-being. 

Exercise and Diet

Exercising can boost serotonin and dopamine levels, which can improve your mood. Explore your senior living community's fitness program for exercise classes.

Try eating more plant-based whole foods. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which have neuroprotective properties. You can find healthy dishes through your senior living community's dining program. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is At Risk for SAD?

During the winter, there are shorter daylight hours and less sunlight in the northern half of the US. About one in 20 people in the northern half of the US experiences symptoms suggestive of SAD.

Factors that may increase your risk of seasonal affective disorder include:

• Gender (women are at a higher risk than men)
• Family history of SAD or another form of depression
• Low levels of vitamin D
• Living far from the equator (where there's decreased sunlight during the winter)
• Having major depression or bipolar disorder

Consult a mental health professional if you believe you're at risk of developing SAD. Avoid self-diagnosing. A doctor may determine that you have another mental health condition with similar symptoms.

To diagnose you, your doctor will complete a thorough evaluation, which may include:

• A physical exam
• A review of your symptoms
• Lab tests (a complete blood count test or thyroid test)
• A psychological evaluation 

What Are the Potential Complications of SAD?

Consult a doctor if you experience the signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. SAD can worsen if you delay seeking treatment. Possible complications include:

• Substance abuse
• Social withdrawal
• School or work problems
• Other mental disorders (such as anxiety or eating disorders)

What Are the Treatments for SAD?

A doctor can develop a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms. Common treatments for SAD include:

• Light therapy
• Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
• Medication (antidepressants
• Cognitive behavioral therapy

Light therapy (phototherapy) involves sitting in front of a light box within the first hour of waking. This box mimics natural, outdoor light.

Light therapy may help stimulate the production of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) that are linked to mood.This is often the first line of treatment for SAD. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy may help with:

• Developing coping mechanisms
• Reducing avoidance behavior
• Identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors
• Managing stress
• Building healthy behaviors (sleep, exercise, diet, etc.)

Let your mental health professional or healthcare provider know if you have bipolar disorder. Light therapy and antidepressants can trigger a manic episode in patients with bipolar disorder.

Adapt to Winter Mood Changes in San Ramon, CA

You don't have to spend this winter feeling down. Instead, consult a doctor if you experience signs of seasonal affective disorder. You can take preventive measures to better manage your symptoms.

Remember, you can find additional resources through your senior living community. Discovery Commons San Ramon offers assisted living services to residents, allowing them to maintain independence with support services for a healthy, active lifestyle.

Enjoy our exclusive lifestyle programs, including Elevate Dining for nutritious dishes and VibrantLife for trivia contests or group exercise classes. Contact us now for a tour.