Many people struggle to get through the winter season – and not just because bad weather makes everyday tasks difficult. Those “winter blues” could actually be seasonal depression (also called seasonal affective disorder). Vive Health explains what it is, how it affects seniors and caregivers, and 4 ways to prevent and manage symptoms.
Are the winter months especially challenging for your older adult and you? One or both of you could be affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
It’s a type of major depression that usually affects people during the winter months. It’s more likely to affect people whose time spent outdoors is limited by severe weather, reduced mobility, or illness.
Find out what seasonal affective disorder is, common symptoms, how it affects seniors and caregivers, when to see a doctor, and 4 ways to prevent and manage symptoms.
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What is seasonal affective disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also called seasonal depression, is believed to be brought on by the earlier sunsets and colder weather of winter.
The body’s natural circadian rhythm (body clock) is influenced by exposure to the rising and setting of the sun.
Scientists think that less sun exposure during shorter winter days can cause changes in brain chemistry – like serotonin and melatonin levels. These biochemical changes can cause symptoms of depression.
SAD typically starts in late fall or early winter and goes away in spring and summer when there’s plenty of sunshine.
Seasonal affective disorder symptoms
Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder can start out mild and become more severe as winter progresses.
People with SAD often have symptoms that include:
Lack of energy, feeling sluggish
Loss of interest in once-loved activities
Irritability and agitation
Increased need for sleep and/or problems with sleep
Trouble concentrating
Becoming anti-social, wanting to be alone
Increase in appetite or weight gain
Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
Frequently thoughts of death or suicide
How seasonal depression affects seniors and caregivers
Many caregivers already experience symptoms of depression due to chronic caregiver stress. Seasonal depression can intensify these symptoms and worsen depression.
Similarly, many older adults who have serious illnesses or require caregiving help also have symptoms of depression. The CDC estimates that 15-20% of adults over 65 experience depression.
When you’re aware of and can recognize the warning signs of SAD in yourself and your older adult, you can take action to prevent deeper depression and improve quality of life for both of you.
When to see a doctor
It’s normal to have some days when you feel down, especially as a caregiver or an older adult living with serious health conditions.
But feeling down for days at a time and not being able to get motivated to do enjoyable activities is a sign to see the doctor.
This is especially important if sleep patterns and appetite have changed or if you or your older adult feel hopeless or think about suicide.
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4 ways to prevent and manage seasonal affective disorder symptoms
1. Know the risk factors Being aware of the risk of developing SAD helps you be more proactive and notice symptoms sooner.
SAD is more common in women than men. And people with a family history or personal experience with depression may also be at increased risk.
Living far from the equator where there’s naturally less sunlight increases the risk of SAD. For example, it’s more common to have SAD during winter in New England than winter in Florida.
Low levels of vitamin D have also been found in people with SAD. Scientists suspect that vitamin D plays an important part in regulating serotonin levels.
2. Increase light exposure One of the first steps in preventing and managing seasonal affective disorder symptoms is to get more exposure to natural light.
Suggestions for increasing natural light exposure:
Opening window coverings to allow more sunlight into the home
Spending the majority of time in the brightest rooms of the home
Getting outside in the sun every day – that could mean a 10 minute walk or just getting out to the porch or backyard
Light therapy is another effective way to increase light exposure without having to go outdoors. This is especially helpful for people with mobility issues or when severe weather forces everyone to stay inside for days or weeks.
Doctors often recommend light therapy lamps (like these) to help increase light exposure. Sitting in front of this type of lamp for a set amount of time each day can reduce SAD symptoms.
Before trying light therapy, it’s best to check with a doctor because people with certain health conditions need to be careful because the wrong intensity or amount of light may cause problems.
3. Get regular physical activity Regular exercise and other types of physical activity reduce overall stress and anxiety, which helps to reduce SAD symptoms.
Physical activity also helps tire the body, which improves sleep quality and duration for caregivers and older adults.
Older adults also benefit from simple home exercise routines that help them get moving and, as a bonus, also build strength and reduce fall risk.
As a caregiver, it can be tough to fit exercise in, especially during the cold winter months. Finding ways to squeeze in small workouts at home is a great way to keep moving – it adds up quickly.
You could try following along with brief yoga videos available for free on YouTube, doing squats and lunges while waiting for the microwave, or using simple home exercise equipment like balance discs and dumbbells.
4. Seek assistance If you are concerned that you or your older adult may have seasonal depression, don’t hesitate to talk to the doctor.
They’ll be able to properly diagnose the cause of the symptoms and make recommendations that will help you feel better.
If symptoms are caused by SAD, they may recommend lifestyle changes to reduce stress, light therapy, appropriate medications, or therapy or counseling.
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Guest contributor: Jessica Hegg is the content manager at ViveHealth.com. Interested in all things related to living healthy lifestyle, she works to share valuable information aimed at overcoming obstacles and improving the quality of life for others.
This article wasn’t sponsored, but does contain some affiliate links. We never link to products or services for the sole purpose of making a commission. Recommendations are based on our honest opinions. For more information, see How We Make Money.
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