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!
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:
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:
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.
A few lifestyle changes can improve your mood and overall well-being. Apply these senior living lifestyle tips to reverse seasonal affective disorder.
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.
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:
Prioritize eating healthy, nutritious, whole foods, including:
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.
According to the National Institute on Aging, social isolation and loneliness in older people pose mental and physical health risks. These may include:
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.
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.
Effective treatments for SAD include:
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:
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:
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:
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.