Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can have a significant effect on people during the fall and winter, especially seniors. Even though SAD returns each year, if you use consistent lifestyle strategies (regular movement, increased sunlight exposure, and strong emotional support), you can help stabilize your mood and improve your overall well-being in the colder months.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says that millions of Americans experience SAD, but shockingly, many don't even know they have this disorder. Numerous people experience horrible symptoms during the fall and winter, but luckily, you can reverse seasonal affective disorder.
Seniors are particularly vulnerable to SAD, so if you're an older adult in Freehold, NJ who thinks they have this condition, you'll want to read on. We'll discuss essential strategies you should use to fight SAD.
For anyone with seasonal affective disorder, one of our best memory care mood tips is to use a proactive and multi-pronged approach. While focusing on particular areas can indeed help, the most effective method is to address both your body and mind.
Also, you should keep in mind that even small steps help. Over time, the new habits you adopt will create a sense of purpose, and you'll be able to face SAD symptoms with confidence.
Here are the "prongs" of the multi-pronged approach you should use.
Active aging in winter is absolutely essential for SAD. In fact, physical activity in general is considered a protective factor for seniors. It can:
The good news is that the movement you do doesn't have to be intense. Gentle activities can make a difference!
Your options include:
If you're consistent with physical activity, then you can fight fatigue, elevate your mood, and gain a sense of accomplishment.
A study by Sansone and Sansone, published in Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, suggests that the role of sunshine in the production of serotonin is a likely possibility for seasonal exacerbations. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that's linked to mood balance, so being proactive about getting more sunlight while having SAD can really help.
Here are our suggestions:
Whatever you choose, aim for at least 20-30 minutes of light exposure daily.
As you already know, SAD can affect senior mental wellness. Mental health is already a stigma in aging, so seniors typically have to work extra hard to have good mental well-being.
The main thing that makes SAD worse is isolation, so it's essential to build a support system. For example, have your family regularly visit. If they're too far away, then you can still maintain connections by having them make phone or video calls.
Or you can join community programs. Senior centers often have group classes, games, or hobby groups. There are even support groups where you can specifically speak with others who also have SAD.
Another great idea is volunteering. Not only can you help others to restore a sense of purpose, but you can make friends at these events too.
For many older adults, SAD systems start easing up as the seasons change and daylight increases. But what's important to note for Freehold, NJ emotional health is that SAD often recurs yearly.
So SAD may not completely disappear on its own, but if you implement effective lifestyle strategies, then you can greatly reduce its severity.
SAD and bipolar disorder both involve mood changes, but SAD isn't a form of bipolar; they're distinct conditions. The former is a type of depression that's linked to seasonal patterns, and the latter is a condition that has alternating cycles of depression and mania that aren't seasonally dependent.
Yes, SAD can get worse as you get older. Aging can bring:
All of the above can make SAD symptoms more noticeable in older adults. However, if you make active lifestyle choices, you can lessen these effects.
Yes, SAD can affect your physical health by contributing to:
As a result, you might experience weight gain, weakened immunity, or cardiovascular issues. This is why it's important to keep up with a wellness routine during the months that you have SAD.
The NIMH says that SAD occurs much more often in women than in men. However, men often experience more severe symptoms when they're affected by SAD.
Yes, your diet can act as seasonal depression support. To support brain health and mood regulation, eat a nutrient-rich diet that has foods high in:
During the darker months, consider using vitamin D supplements too.
Doctors will typically assess the following when they see you:
In addition, they'll rule out other causes of depression before diagnosing you with SAD.
If you've been living with SAD, then you know how challenging it can be to get through almost half of the year. The symptoms can be debilitating enough that you lose your sense of self, and that's no way to live out your retirement.
Now that you know how to reverse seasonal affective disorder, you can take the proper steps to reduce symptoms. And as a result, you can feel more functional and energetic all year long.
Want to learn more about senior living in Freehold, NJ? Then contact us now. Mattison Crossing offers our residents personalized wellness plans and activities to keep them physically and mentally fit!