Common Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder in Seniors

Many seniors experience seasonal depression each year. A feeling of sadness, disinterest in once enjoyable activities, fatigue, and oversleeping are some of the most common signs that you're suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Northeast Texas, Southlake is a great area to spend winter and fall, but symptoms of SAD can appear regardless. Seasonal depression typically lasts for about 40% of the year, so it's important to take steps to reverse it as soon as you notice it. 

Be sure to look out for the signs of seasonal affective disorder in seniors listed below to determine whether it may be affecting you.

Why Do People Get Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder is often linked to the amount of sunlight exposure that a person gets.This is why it's commonly experienced during the fall and winter months, when sunlight is at a minimum and days are short.

During this time, people tend to go outside less often, and there's less sunlight overall. This lack of sunlight can lead to a deficiency in vitamin D, and this can negatively impact a person's circadian rhythm, disrupting their sleep schedule. The body may also produce less serotonin, which can cause depressive feelings, and may produce more melatonin, which can lead to lethargy and tiredness.

With all of these effects combined, depressive symptoms can occur in a person, specifically in the fall and winter.

What Are the Six Symptoms of SAD?

Seasonal depression doesn't just relate to senior mental health. Many people also experience physical symptoms in addition to mental and emotional ones. Here are some things you may notice if you have SAD.

Mood Changes

One of the clearest signs that you have seasonal depression is if you're feeling under the weather emotionally. Sadness, hopelessness, and feeling down in the dumps are all signs of SAD. 

Concentration Problems

Mentally, you may also have trouble concentrating on tasks if you're suffering from seasonal depression. If you find your mind wandering more often than usual, take note and consider whether SAD has been affecting you.

Loss of Interest

Losing interest in activities you used to love is characteristic of depression and is also common if you're experiencing the seasonal variety. If you've fallen out of love with your favorite activities overnight, then it could be that you're suffering from a depression that was brought on by the changing seasons.

Fatigue

Tiredness and fatigue are also commonly felt by those who suffer from seasonal depression. If you're currently finding it difficult to get the motivation you need to complete tasks, run errands, and take care of daily activities, then you may have seasonal affective disorder.

Sleep Issues

A lack of sunlight exposure can significantly increase melatonin levels in the body. While a senior apartment design can be incredibly comfortable, you may find that it becomes a bit too hard to get up each morning. You may find yourself oversleeping and lacking the motivation to get up when it's time to do so.

Weight Changes

SAD can also lead to weight changes. In particular, you may start craving more carbohydrates, or you may begin overeating to manage the negative emotions that you've been feeling. If you're in a senior living community, you may find that you have to start using health and fitness amenities even more often to feel your best.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Treating seasonal affective disorder can be done in a few different ways. Because SAD is linked to a lack of sunlight exposure, getting into the outdoors more often and getting some sun is a great first step toward treating seasonal depression.

Other lifestyle changes and daily wellness tips can also help to reverse seasonal depression symptoms.This could include getting higher-quality sleep, improving your diet, and exercising regularly. A doctor may also recommend memory care mood support, and other treatments such as:

• Light therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Talk therapy
• Antidepressants

Does Vitamin D Help With SAD?

It's rumored that vitamin D can help with SAD, and in many cases, this is true. Since a lack of sunlight can lead to a vitamin D deficiency and seasonal depression, taking a vitamin D supplement or adding more of the vitamin to your diet could help relieve symptoms.

This won't necessarily work for everyone, however. Vitamin D studies have shown variable results for reversing seasonal depression, and if you don't have a vitamin D deficiency, it may not be beneficial to you. Getting enough vitamin D is always a good choice, however, and is worth trying if you think that a vitamin D deficiency is to blame for your winter blues. 

What Month Does SAD Start?

The symptoms of winter depression in aging adults tend to start appearing in October of each year, but for some people, they show up later.SAD tends to disturb people as early as October but as late as February.

January and February tend to be the most difficult months for SAD since the conditions that lead to it are so pronounced during these months. Days are shorter and sunlight is hard to come by, so it's common to begin feeling the symptoms of SAD or having the symptoms increase around this time.

Paying Attention to the Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder

It's important to look out for the signs of seasonal affective disorder and to consider treatment options if you want to have an enjoyable time during the fall and winter months. Take note if your mood changes suddenly or if you notice signs such as trouble concentrating, fatigue, oversleeping, or weight changes.

If you want to live comfortably throughout the year, consider moving into a senior assisted living community. With comfortable floor plans, useful amenities, assisted living emotional care, and a welcoming atmosphere, Discovery Village At Southlake will make you feel right at home.

Wondering if senior assisted living is right for you? Contact us today to learn more about what Discovery Village At Southlake has to offer seniors in Southlake, TX.