Now that fall is nearly overand winter will show up before you know itthat means less sporadic days of sunshine in the Pacific Northwest. That change in how much light we get due to clouds leaves even the most energetic or optimistic among us feeling a loss in energy. While anyone thats lived here a while knows that a guest appearance from the sunin a season it doesnt belonggives you a real kick of newfound energy.
If youre feeling down this season, or maybe every winter or fall as theres less available sunlight, theres something you can do about those symptoms of seasonal affective disorder or otherwise. Below, weve outlined some of the symptoms. And in our next post, well outlined what you can do about it.
Mood
The more noticeable of the symptoms is going to be a change in mood. But that can sometimes be harder to detect than youd think. Some of the common emotions to look out for are an increase in anger, anxiety, apathy, general discontent, hopelessness, inability to feel pleasure, loneliness, loss of interest, mood swings, or sadness. Even subtle but consistent changes are something could be good to meet with a doctor or therapist about.
Sleep
Most people are pretty familiar with the lethargy that comes with dreary or overcast days. And they might attribute smaller changes, and seeking warmth under a nice throw blanket, as our form of hibernation. But if youre noticing an excess in how sleepy you feel from day to day, trouble sleeping or insomnia, or sleep deprivation, those can be caused by seasonal affective disorder.
Other Signs
Seasonal affective disorder can also show up when youre going over thoughts more than you usually do, excessive crying or social isolation, a change in appetite, fluctuation in weight, or even a lack of concentration or restlessness. Though its nothing to be concerned about, and normal in this part of the world, its still something good to be aware ofand something thats good to know how to treat. Seasonal Affective Disorder Knowing the Signs
Now that fall is nearly overand winter will show up before you know itthat means less sporadic days of sunshine in the Pacific Northwest. That change in how much light we get due to clouds leaves even the most energetic or optimistic among us feeling a loss in energy. While anyone thats lived here a while knows that a guest appearance from the sunin a season it doesnt belonggives you a real kick of newfound energy.
If youre feeling down this season, or maybe every winter or fall as theres less available sunlight, theres something you can do about those symptoms of seasonal affective disorder or otherwise. Below, weve outlined some of the symptoms. And in our next post, well outlined what you can do about it.
Mood
The more noticeable of the symptoms is going to be a change in mood. But that can sometimes be harder to detect than youd think. Some of the common emotions to look out for are an increase in anger, anxiety, apathy, general discontent, hopelessness, inability to feel pleasure, loneliness, loss of interest, mood swings, or sadness. Even subtle but consistent changes are something could be good to meet with a doctor or therapist about.
Sleep
Most people are pretty familiar with the lethargy that comes with dreary or overcast days. And they might attribute smaller changes, and seeking warmth under a nice throw blanket, as our form of hibernation. But if youre noticing an excess in how sleepy you feel from day to day, trouble sleeping or insomnia, or sleep deprivation, those can be caused by seasonal affective disorder.
Other Signs
Seasonal affective disorder can also show up when youre going over thoughts more than you usually do, excessive crying or social isolation, a change in appetite, fluctuation in weight, or even a lack of concentration or restlessness. Though its nothing to be concerned about, and normal in this part of the world, its still something good to be aware ofand something thats good to know how to treat.