How to Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder in Oviedo Independent Living
You can reverse seasonal affective disorder with sunlight exposure, socializing, and physical activity. Improving your senior mental wellness can enhance your overall lifestyle in Oviedo.
According to the University of Chicago Medicine, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects about 5% of people in the US each year. Symptoms can become severe enough to affect your quality of life and ability to function. Before it affects your mental and physical health, consider adjusting your routine.
With these tips, you can reverse seasonal affective disorder to enjoy winter in Oviedo, FL. Discover how to manage seasonal mood changes today!
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
A form of depression, seasonal affective disorder, is triggered by the changing of the seasons. Symptoms begin during the start of fall and can worsen as the weather gets colder.
SAD can affect your daily life, thoughts, and emotions. The American Psychiatric Association officially classifies it as "major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns." You may experience symptoms of depression, including:
- Trouble concentrating
- Anxiety
- Feeling depressed most of the day, every day
- Limbs that feel heavy
- Feeling hopeless
- Craving carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Extreme fatigue
- Oversleeping
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
- Withdrawing from social activities
- Feeling worthless
- Thoughts of death or suicide
What Is the Root Cause of SAD?
Researchers aren't certain of the root cause of SAD. However, the lack of sunlight during the winter may trigger symptoms. Potential causes of seasonal affective disorder include:
- Chemical imbalances in the brain
- Changes to your biological clock
- A vitamin D deficiency
- Increased melatonin levels
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that send signals between your nerves. One of these chemicals, serotonin, can trigger feelings of happiness.
Sunlight exposure helps the body regulate serotonin levels. With less sunlight in the winter, serotonin levels can drop. You may experience symptoms of depression.
Sunlight exposure also helps the body produce vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the body regulate serotonin levels. Less sun during the winter can contribute to a vitamin D deficiency, affecting your mood.
Melatonin is another brain chemical that can affect your mood. A lack of sunlight exposure during the winter can stimulate an overproduction of melatonin, which can make you feel drowsy.
Tips to Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder
A few lifestyle changes can improve your mood and overall well-being. Apply these senior living lifestyle tips to reverse seasonal affective disorder.
Soak Up the Sun
Spend time outside first thing in the morning. Go for a walk or embrace the winter weather. Spending time in nature for at least two hours a day can support a better overall well-being.
Exercise
Exercising regularly can stimulate the production of dopamine and serotonin. These "feel-good" chemicals can uplift your mood.
You can find fun exercise classes through your senior living community's fitness program, including:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Tai chi
- Weight lifting
- Resistance training
- Walking
- Hiking
Adjust Your Diet
Prioritize eating healthy, nutritious, whole foods, including:
- Healthy fats
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Fruits and vegetables
- Lean proteins
Eat colorful fruits and vegetables for a range of phytonutrients. Phytonutrients act as antioxidants, protecting the brain from oxidative stress. A balanced diet may help regulate your serotonin and dopamine levels, which can improve your mood.
You can find delicious meals through your senior living community's dining program. Ask friends to join you for meals. Their presence can further uplift your mood.
Socialize
According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness in older people pose mental and physical health risks. These may include:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cognitive decline
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Anxiety
- Heart disease
- A weakened immune system
- Death
Socializing can help improve your mood and give you a sense of purpose in life. You can find fun opportunities to socialize through your senior living community's events and activities calendar.
Seek Oviedo, FL Retirement Support
You don't have to apply these tips alone. Instead, seek help to improve your senior mental wellness. A mental health professional can develop a personalized treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Treatments for SAD?
Effective treatments for SAD include:
- Light therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Medications
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Vitamin D supplements
Light therapy (phototherapy) involves sitting a few feet from a light box. Within an hour of waking up, you'll be exposed to a bright light that mimics natural outdoor light.
This treatment can trigger the production of brain chemicals associated with your mood. Phototherapy is usually the first treatment option for seasonal mood changes.
Take the symptoms of SAD seriously. Failing to seek treatment may cause symptoms to worsen. Complications include:
- Substance abuse
- School or work problems
- Social withdrawal
- Other mental health disorders (eating disorders or anxiety)
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Who Is Most At Risk of SAD?
The further a person is from the equator, the more at risk they are of developing seasonal depression. About four in five people who have seasonal depression are women. The main age of onset falls between 20 and 30 years of age.
Other risk factors for seasonal affective disorder include:
- Living in cloudy areas
- Having bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or another mood disorder
- Having relatives with other mental health conditions, like schizophrenia or major depression
- A family history of SAD
- Living in latitudes that are far north or south of the equator, where there's less sunlight
If you believe you're at risk of or have SAD, don't diagnose yourself. Instead, consult a mental health provider for a full evaluation. They may diagnose you if you meet these criteria:
- Experiencing symptoms of major depression
- Having depressive episodes more frequently during winter than the remainder of the year
- Having episodes during the winter for at least two consecutive years
Improve Your Winter Emotional Health
The changing weather can cause a shift in your mood, affecting your quality of life. Before that happens, use these tips to reverse seasonal affective disorder. With these tips and Oviedo, FL retirement support, you can enjoy the winter season this year.
Remember, you can find more resources through your senior living community. The Tremont offers newly renovated apartment homes and enhanced Independent Living with supportive services, featuring updates designed to elevate style, comfort, and convenience.
Enjoy our restaurant-style dining with attentive tableside service, Celebrations events like Puzzle Therapy, and Dimensions Health & Fitness activities like Morning Strolls. Contact us now to schedule your tour.