Do you also feel very dull and boring during the rainy season? Let's talk about SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Imagine, a day with a cloudy sky for several days in a row, a cold drizzle, and a very dull day... Don't you also feel like getting out of bed on such days? Do you not feel like doing anything useful, do you just feel bored, and get angry at the smallest things? Many people think that this is just normal boredom, or "a dullness that occurs during the rainy season" and give up. But sometimes this needs to be thought about a little deeper, and there may be a medical explanation for this. That's what we're talking about today.

What exactly is SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)?

Simply put, SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a type of depressive disorder that occurs only during certain times of the year, especially when there is less sunlight. It means "weather-related mood disorder." It was first recognized as a medical condition in 1984.

Although this is a condition that falls under the category of depression , the specialty here is that it occurs seasonally . That is, these symptoms do not occur throughout the year. Most of the time, in our country, this condition can appear during continuous rainy seasons, on days when the sky is heavy with clouds and there is little sunlight. When the sun shines brightly and the environment is bright, these symptoms disappear almost automatically.

Think about it, since ancient times, people have held big celebrations on the darkest days of the year, when the daylight hours are shortest. When you look at festivals like Christmas, lighting candles on the eve and using light for decorations take center stage. This is not just a coincidence, experts say, but may be because celebrating light against darkness is something that the human mind has an innate need for.

What are the main symptoms and causes of this disease?

This condition does not affect everyone the same. Research has found that women, especially those between the ages of 20 and 40, are three times more likely to be affected than men. It is suspected that changes in hormonal function may be a factor.

Main symptoms

The table below lists some of the main symptoms that can be seen in this condition. See if these are familiar to you.

What are the reasons for this?

Although the exact cause of SAD is still not 100% clear, the main factor is a lack of sunlight. Sunlight is essential for our brain function.

1. Low Serotonin Levels: Serotonin is a major neurotransmitter that controls our mood. When sunlight decreases, serotonin levels in the brain decrease. This is the main reason for feelings of sadness, frustration, and anger.

2. Increased Melatonin Levels: Melatonin is the hormone that controls our sleep. When it gets dark, our body starts producing melatonin, which is what makes us sleepy. During periods of low sunlight, the body tends to produce more melatonin. This is why we feel sleepy, lethargic, and have low energy.

3. Genetic factors:This condition has been observed to run in families to some extent, so there may be a genetic influence.

How do we get out of this 'weather depression'?

The good news is that there is an effective treatment for this. The cause is obvious, and the solution is very simple: get more light during the winter/rainy season!

Things you can do yourself

• Get some morning sun exposure: Whenever possible, get at least 30 minutes of sunlight, especially in the morning. Even on a cloudy day, going outside and walking can make a big difference.
• Exercise: Doing simple exercises like walking in the morning sun is very beneficial for both the body and the mind. When you exercise, your body produces happy hormones (endorphins), which improves your mood.
• Eat a balanced diet: Even if you crave carbohydrates, eat them in moderation. Try to maintain a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and protein.

Seeking medical advice

If your symptoms are severe, lasting more than two weeks, and affecting your daily activities to the point where you can't function, be sure to see your doctor. It's especially good if you can find a doctor who has experience with SAD.

Your doctor may suggest two main treatment options:

1. Light Therapy: This is the most common and effective treatment for SAD. It involves sitting in front of a special light box that emits very bright light similar to natural sunlight for a period of time each day. This treatment is usually done in the morning for 30 minutes to several hours. It has been found to be 60% - 90% effective, with symptoms reducing in as little as a week.

2. Medication: In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants. These help maintain the balance of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin. Never take these medications without medical advice.