Common signs of seasonal affective disorder include overeating, oversleeping, and difficulty concentrating. You can make lifestyle changes while living in Fort Myers, FL, to improve your mood and overall health.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 5% of American adults experience symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD can affect your health and quality of life if you delay seeking treatment. Knowing how to spot the signs of seasonal affective disorder can help you seek help if needed.
Ready to improve your senior seasonal wellness while living in Fort Myers, FL? Read on for our tips to improve your emotional health in senior living!
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression with a seasonal pattern. Most people experience symptoms of winter-pattern SAD at the beginning of fall. Symptoms can worsen as there are fewer hours of sunlight during peak winter.
Though it's less common, some people develop summer-pattern SAD. These people first experience symptoms in the spring and don't feel better until early fall.
Seasonal affective disorder is linked to changes in the brain that occur due to shorter daylight hours. As the seasons change, you may experience changes to your circadian rhythm (biological internal clock). You may become out of step with your usual routine, which may worsen symptoms.
A person's risk of developing SAD may increase if they:
Consult a mental healthcare professional if you're concerned about your risk. In some cases, symptoms of SAD may indicate you have another mental health condition.
SAD may cause mood changes and symptoms of depression. Common signs of seasonal affective disorder include:
Experiencing these symptoms may not mean you have SAD. For a diagnosis, you must have:
Making lifestyle changes may improve your senior seasonal wellness and mood. Try these strategies to improve your emotional health in senior living.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet that features nutrient-dense whole foods, including:
Whole foods are high in antioxidants and other phytonutrients that may benefit your mental health. You can find delicious dishes featuring fresh ingredients through your senior living community's dining program.
Exercising stimulates the production of serotonin and dopamine, brain chemicals that may improve your mood.Consider going for a walk with friends each morning. Your community's fitness program may offer indoor classes, including:
Exercising may help reduce depression symptoms.
Social isolation may increase your risk of mental and physical health problems, including depression. Reach out to members of your Fort Myers community. Socializing can give you a sense of belonging while uplifting your mood.
You can find opportunities to socialize through your senior living community's events and activities calendar.
Explore your senior living community for helpful resources and memory care mood support. Their services may extend your longevity and improve your quality of life. Choose a community that offers senior lifestyle programs based on your needs.
Scientists have yet to determine the exact cause of SAD. However, they believe the lack of sunlight during the cold winter months can trigger symptoms. A lack of sunlight exposure may contribute to other triggers, including:
Neurotransmitters like serotonin are brain chemicals that send messages between nerves. Serotonin is associated with feelings of happiness.
Sunlight exposure encourages the body to create vitamin D. Getting less exposure during the winter can cause vitamin D levels to drop.
Vitamin D aids the natural production of serotonin. As levels fall, you may experience depressive symptoms.
Your circadian rhythm helps you maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle. It also regulates your mood and hormones. Getting fewer hours of sunlight may cause a shift and trigger SAD symptoms.
Melatonin is a chemical that helps us feel drowsy before bed. Getting less sunlight exposure increases melatonin production, which can cause you to feel drowsy. This may affect your sleep patterns and mood.
Common treatments for SAD include:
Let your mental healthcare provider know if you're already taking medications or supplements. They'll ensure you avoid any possible interactions.
During bright light therapy, you'll sit in front of a device that emits 10,000 lux of light (20 times brighter than indoor settings). This may stimulate vitamin D and serotonin production. Bright light therapy has proven effective in treating depression symptoms.
The winter weather may cause your mood to drop. If you experience signs of seasonal affective disorder, consult a mental healthcare professional. You can find more helpful resources for winter mental health in aging seniors through your senior living community.
Discovery Village The Forum offers six exclusive lifestyle programs to enhance your stress-free, fun-filled life. Enjoy Sensations Dining for mouthwatering dishes, Celebrations Activities & Events for bingo and singing club, or Dimensions Health & Wellness for yoga and water aerobics. Contact us now to schedule your tour!