VISITING ANGELS BARRINGTON, IL 224-512-4180
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How to Cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Elderly man standing outside wearing winter hat with coatIt’s common to feel a bit gloomy after the holidays. The joy of the season gives way to short, chilly days that can seem kind of lonely compared with the joy of being surrounded by friends and family. For many people, this emotional struggle is brief, and then they find activities, events and engagements to help them embrace the winter season.

For others, though, the sadness that comes in the winter months runs deeper. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) isn’t a mood that one can easily get over. It’s a type of depression. Writer and researcher Alissa Sauer points out that “Nearly 40% of people with Alzheimer’s disease and 20% of family caregivers suffer from significant depression – nearly twice the rate of the general population. Depression can strike at any time, but seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of recurrent depressive episode, occurs during the same season each year.”

Here's what you need to know about SAD.

SAD Symptoms

When people are struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, they can’t get around their feelings of sadness. The sorrow that they are feeling is the biggest feeling in their emotional landscape. These are some other symptoms associated with SAD:

  • SAD zaps sufferers’ energy, motivation and joy.
  • Suffers tend to feel tired, sluggish, fatigued, hopeless or worthless.
  • SAD sufferers struggle to concentrate.
  • Their sleep routines maybe impacted - they may start sleeping too much or they may be unable to sleep at night.
  • Sufferers may stop attending to their hygiene.
  • They may lose or gain weight.
  • SAD suffers may socially withdraw.
  • Sufferers may experience impaired memory.
  • They may become irritable, agitated or anxious.
  • Their arms and legs may feel heavy.
  • Sufferers may experience suicidal thoughts (Suicide hotline 1-800-273-8255).

If you or your aging loved one struggles with some of these symptoms in the winter, discuss it with your doctor. While Seasonal Affective Disorder can feel insurmountable, it can be a relief to get a diagnosis and to talk with your doctor about treatment. Plus, then you can prepare yourself each year, which stands to take away some of the mystery, fear and pain associated with SAD.

Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder

Some of treatments that doctors may recommend for SAD include light therapy, psychotherapy, medications and vitamin D supplements.

Adopting sound self-care habits can also prove helpful; for example, soaking up as much sunshine as possible can help SAD sufferers. Increasing your exercise can also be a good strategy - especially if you are able to do some of that exercise outdoors. Even if you’re just going for a brief stroll whenever the sun pokes out, it can give SAD sufferers a boost. Eating healthy foods and maintaining social connections are also good strategies for sufferers.

If you recognize that Seasonal Affective Disorder seems to be an issue for you or an aging loved one, don’t try to muscle through it. Let your doctor know, and invite his or her help and expertise. There’s no reason to make life harder than it needs to be. SAD is treatable, but no issue can get treated until it’s diagnosed. It may feel difficult to share what you’re experiencing with your doctor, but this is the kind of update that your doctor needs and wants to hear.

SAD and Dementia

Interestingly, a study cited by Tim Newman in Medical News Today found that: “the colder months do appear to worsen symptoms of dementia and reduce cognitive ability in older adults at large.” Therefore, pay special attention to those in your care this winter.

Keep in mind, too, that Visiting Angels Caregivers are specially trained to assist our clients who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Our Angels can be your support and your resource if your loved one’s needs change and a more nuanced level of care becomes necessary.

Serving Barrington, Algonquin, Palatine, Lake Zurich, Crystal Lake, McHenry, Woodstock, Cary and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels BARRINGTON, IL
18-5 E Dundee Rd #300
Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: 224-512-4180

Serving Barrington, Algonquin, Palatine, Lake Zurich, Crystal Lake, McHenry, Woodstock, Cary and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels BARRINGTON, IL
18-5 E Dundee Rd #300
Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: 224-512-4180