I have SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder & Its Symptoms

Does it seem like everyone is just miserable during the cold weather? However, it's not just the weather that may be making you feel depressed and lethargic; Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects millions of people in the United States, many of whom are unaware of their condition.
People might experience SAD during early childhood or teenage years, but adults between the ages of 20-40 are often affected by it. The exact cause of SAD isn't known, but patient care health information research shows it is related to changes in the brain's chemical messengers caused by shorter days and less exposure to sunlight.
If you have SAD and are experiencing depression, feeling purposeless, and are fighting suicidal thoughts, speak to a doctor online immediately.
Here's everything you should know about SAD:

 

Things you should know about SAD

SAD is different from other types of depression for several reasons.

• It tends to run in families, so it has a strong genetic component.
• It typically follows a regular pattern each year — symptoms usually start around the same time each fall and end around the same time each spring.
• Most doctors do not consider an "illness" but rather a problem with your circadian rhythm (body clock) that can be corrected through light therapy.

How to Detect Symptoms of SAD?

If you have a seasonal affective disorder (SAD), you might experience one or more of these symptoms between October and April:

Mood Swings

You might feel sad and hopeless one day, energetic and optimistic the next. But instead of feeling strong emotions, you may also have trouble expressing your feelings and might feel generally depressed or irritable.

Seasonal Weight Gain or Loss

A change in appetite and sleeping patterns can result in weight gain or loss during the late fall and winter months. Some people find they tend to crave carbohydrates — such as chocolates, bread, pasta, potatoes — while others crave fats or starches—such as French fries or mashed potatoes. On the other hand, others might experience a loss of appetite and

Remember to contact our virtual doctor in case of aggravated symptoms like hallucinations and extreme irritability.

Decreased Physical Activity During Winter Months

Some people feel tired all the time; others only feel tired in the early afternoon. Not every person with SAD feels depressed, but most do — and some people also have trouble concentrating. People often describe feeling lethargic and not being able to get through their daily routine. Anyone who feels this way should seek professional help by speaking with our urgent care doctors directly.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, sign up today with TelMDCare – your go-to virtual and affordable healthcare solution.TelMDCare offers telemedicine facilities to patients so that they can speak to an online doctor and avail effective on-time treatment for SAD. Prioritize your mental health and sign up today to schedule your meeting.