Most of you may have been there when you don’t want to get out of bed, feel sluggish, and have no motivation at all. But when you feel this during the time when temperature dips, it may not be just laziness. Instead, it can be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD disorder). It is a form of depression which is linked to changing seasons.
Many people may overlook it as a bad mood or lack of willpower, but SAD seasonal affective disorder is a real mental health condition. The challenge is figuring out the difference between SAD or normal disorder. Let’s understand it in this blog.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), sometimes called seasonal affective disease or seasonal disorder, is a type of depression that usually occurs during the fall and winter months. It happens to you due to less exposure to sunlight. Further, it affects your body’s biological clock and brain chemicals linked to mood and energy.
You can think of it as your body and mind reacting to the changing season – shorter days, longer nights, and less sunlight. All of these can disrupt sleep cycles, serotonin levels, and motivation.
Laziness vs. Seasonal Affective Disorder
So that you don’t confuse ordinary laziness with SAD, it is important to know the difference. This is how you can do it:
1. Duration of Symptoms
- Laziness: Usually temporary and situation-based things like what happens after a tiring week.
- SAD disorder: Symptoms last for weeks or months, often following the same seasonal pattern every year.
2. Impact on Your Life
- Laziness: You can usually push yourself to get things done when required.
- SAD: Even routine tasks like cooking, working, or socialising may feel overwhelming.
3. Physical Symptoms
- Laziness: Rarely associated with physical changes.
- SAD: Can include changes in sleep, appetite, energy, and weight.
4. Mood Changes
- Laziness: Usually doesn’t cause deep sadness or hopelessness.
- SAD: Brings persistent sadness, irritability, or feelings of worthlessness.
Common Seasonal Depression Symptoms
If you experience seasonal depression, it may develop while reflecting the following symptoms:
- Persistent low mood or sadness
- Loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy
- Feeling sluggish or low on energy
- Sleeping more than usual or struggling to sleep well
- Cravings for carbs and sugary foods
- Difficulty concentrating
- Withdrawal from social life
- Feelings of hopelessness or guilt
When these seasonal depression symptoms consistently occur in autumn and winter, and improve in spring or summer, it is a strong indicator of SAD seasonal affective disorder rather than just laziness.
Why Does Seasonal Affective Disorder Happen?
There may be several reasons behind seasonal affective disorder. According to the experts, these may be the possible reasons:
- Reduced sunlight exposure as it lowers serotonin (mood-regulating chemical).
- Disrupted circadian rhythm as it throws off your sleep-wake cycle.
- Melatonin imbalance as it increases fatigue and affects mood.
How to Deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder?
SAD is a manageable disorder. If you are the one who experiences it, you can implement these helpful strategies:
- Light Therapy: Using a lightbox that mimics natural sunlight for 20-30 minutes a day.
- Stay Active: Regular exercise boosts serotonin and energy levels.
- Go Outdoors: Even brief exposure to natural light can make a difference.
- Healthy Diet: Focus on whole foods, omega-3-rich options, and limit excess sugar.
- Routine Sleep Schedule: Prioritise consistent sleep and wake times.
- Therapy or Counselling: Talking with a professional can help manage negative thought patterns.
- Medication (if prescribed): In some cases, antidepressants may be suggested by a doctor.
When Should You See a Professional?
If you notice that seasonal affective disease is interfering with your work, relationships, or overall well-being, you shouldn’t ignore it. Get help from a mental health professional who can help you manage your condition effectively.
SAD is a recognised medical condition and with the right support, you can feel better.
Read More: What Mental Health is and What It isn’t
Summing Up
Feeling low on days is common, but if this feeling persists, it can be an underlying issue as seasonal affective disorder. You can avoid the confusion between SAD and ordinary depression by understanding the difference between the two. SAD seasonal depression may reflect symptoms like loss of interest in your favourite activities, low on energy, oversleeping, cravings of carbs, and more.
The key is to notice the patterns – if your low mood and energy happen every winter, and you also experience clear seasonal depression symptoms, it is more than just lack of motivation. With lifestyle adjustments, therapy, or medical help, you can manage seasonal mood disorder.
So, it is better that you take care of your health and lead a healthy lifestyle.
