Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons - SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, SAD can cause depression in the spring or early summer.
As with other types of depression, SAD can get worse and lead to problems if it's not treated. Take signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder seriously. Possible symptoms could be: social withdrawal, school or work problems, substance abuse, other mental health disorders such as anxiety or eating disorders, or suicidal thoughts.
Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), medications, and psychotherapy.
Autumn Anxiety is another form of SAD. As pool time, sunshine, and longer days are on the way out, and autumn makes its way in, some people find themselves feeling anxious.
Autumn anxiety is an annual increase in anxiety some people begin to feel during the autumn months.
Experts say some causes of this anxiety may be due to beginning a new school year, the looming stress of the holiday season, or possible regret from not having achieved desired goals over the summer.
Changes in diet, daily exercise, and increased exposure to daylight are all ways people can minimize the effects of autumn anxiety.
Did you know the fall season can be good for you as well? Even though the official start to autumn doesn’t begin until September 22nd, the first signs of the season are already here. The sun rises later and sets earlier. The temperatures and humidity are dropping. Plus, the kids are back in school, so the daily routines have returned.
With the season upon us, there are many fall-specific activities to enjoy, such as apple picking, pumpkin picking, raking fall leaves, etc. These activities are things that you can do outdoors and with others, so you can squeeze in some quality time with family and friends.
The fall season also brings a great supply of fresh fruits and vegetables to make healthy meals with. You can visit your local farmer’s market to stock up on the season’s freshest picks. You can be creative, roast some pumpkin seeds, or make some homemade pies, applesauce, or ciders.
It is important for people in recovery to follow a routine. During the summer months, schedules get more relaxed, which can lead to boredom and cravings. But now that fall is here, it’s time to get back in the habit of following a routine!
The fall foliage is a beautiful way to get out an enjoy nature. What a wonderful way to connect to nature, practice gratitude, and grow in spirituality!