During the wintertime months when an area is getting less than 12 hours a day in sunlight, issues can arise that people may not contribute to outside circumstances. Low energy and sadness that just won’t go away tend to plaque a good portion of the population during these low light days. These issues along with difficulty to focus and reduced productivity could be symptoms of SAD.
SAD, also known as seasonal depression, can affect 5 to 10% of the population. Yet it still has very little recognition in mainstream talks. More awareness needs to be brought to this area of mental health, so more people can be made aware of what this condition looks like.
This article will review what this depressional order looks like and why there needs to be more awareness in this area.
Image by Shima Abedinzade from Pixabay
What Does Seasonal Depression Look Like?
SAD can manifest in different ways for each person. Often there are physical and mental symptoms accompanied by changes in behavior. Here are some of the most common:
- Changes in social activity
- Persistent sadness or a lack of feelings at all
- Upsets in sleeping patterns
- Overeating and weight gain
- Low energy and/or lack of motivation
- Focus and concentration are off
- Mood and emotions that can cause problems in relationships
How Can Awareness of SAD Grow?
People with seasonal depression do not need to continue suffering. With an effort to build awareness in the community, individuals can learn there are ways they can feel better. Here are a few good starting points:
1) Let People Know About SAD!
By raising attention to SAD and the symptoms associated, people having difficulty will see it’s not just them enduring this type of ordeal. Knowing their ailments might be part of a bigger condition can give a person peace that treatments and help are available.
2) Campaigns for Treatment Options and Facilities
Not only does the community need to know about seasonal depression and how it may affect an individual, but treatment options, therapists, doctors, and facilities need to be shared as well. Providing the blueprints on how and where to get help gives individuals with SAD a step up.
3) Breaking the Stigma and Gaining Support
Usually friends and family want to provide assistance and encouragement to their loved one going through a difficult time. By raising awareness in the community for this legitimate condition, judgements drop away and support is provided instead. Here are some little steps that can help a person suffering with SAD start to wake up from their depression:
- Go for a short walk close to home
- Sit outside on a sunny day
- Grab a cup of tea or coffee with a friend and talk
- Find a support group online or in person
In Conclusion
When the community has a good understanding of seasonal depression, individuals can better assess their own mental health, or of someone close like a partner. Resources and treatment facilities become more readily available, making it easier to get help. SAD does not need to be a stigma when awareness and attention are brought to this condition.
