Seasonal Affective Disorder & Chronic Pain
Unless you live on or near the equator, you are probably very familiar with the four distinct seasons of the year. You probably also have your own personal opinions and reactions as one season gives way to another. But for many, there is a noticeable “change in the air” when the warm summer months give way to fall and winter. As the days grow shorter and the air gets colder, it is not uncommon to see folks get a bit moodier and more irritable.
Often referred to as “the winter blues,” this is usually just a brief annoyance or “funk” that a lot of people experience. A little hot cocoa and a warm fire can usually turn things right around. However, there is another more serious mental health condition that can arise during this time – seasonal depression, also know as seasonal affective disorder.
Is seasonal depression real?
Yes, seasonal depression is a very real thing. Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder, is a form of depression that occurs when the seasons change. Rather fittingly, the condition is known as SAD for short. Unlike “the winter blues,” SAD is a clinically-diagnosed medical condition with more persistent and severe symptoms.
Though it can occur anytime, seasonal affective disorder symptoms most commonly appear during late fall or early winter and go away during the sunnier days of spring or summer. Symptoms often start out mild and may include irritability and feelings of “just being out of it.”
As the season progresses, however, symptoms may become more numerous and far more severe. Some of the most common symptoms of seasonal affective disorder include:
- Feelings of depression
- Lack of energy or fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight gain
- Inability to concentrate
- Feeling worthless or hopeless
The important thing is to not overlook or disregard these symptoms. They may seem like just a common result of colder, darker days setting in. After all, everyone feels this way at this time of year, right? But the fact is, even one of these symptoms could signal the onset of seasonal affective disorder, and they should be taken seriously.
What causes seasonal affective disorder?
Experts do not yet know for certain what causes SAD, but some of the most likely factors include:
- Your internal clock – Perhaps one of the strangest things about the fall and winter months is how the sun suddenly isn’t around at times when it feels like it should be. This reduced amount of daylight can disturb your internal clock (also called circadian rhythm), which can trigger feelings of depression.
- Reduced serotonin – Serotonin is a biological chemical that is associated with mood regulation. Reduced exposure to sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin levels, which may lead to depression.
- Melatonin levels – Seasonal change can impact the body’s production of melatonin, a chemical associated with regulating sleep patterns. This imbalance may disrupt sleep behavior, which can result in mood swings, anxiety, and feelings of depression.
Additional factors may also increase the risk of developing SAD:
- Genetics – It is believed that your chances of developing SAD are higher if a blood relative also suffers from it or another form depression.
- Preexisting conditions – SAD is more likely to occur in people who already have mental/emotional issues such as clinical depression or bipolar disorder.
- Location – The further that you live from the equator, the more likely you are to develop SAD due to the more pronounced change in sunlight and temperatures.
Does seasonal affective disorder make chronic pain worse?
The answer is, yes it can. In fact, the two are thought to be fundamentally linked with one another. Seasonal affective disorder is a form of clinical depression, and experts believe that pain shares some biological processes with depression. The result is often a vicious cycle where chronic pain can make depression worse, and vice versa.
The consequences of chronic pain often include:
- Low mobility
- Inability to care for and interact with loved ones
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty doings things that were once easy.
This can end up taking a heavy emotional toll, increasing the likelihood of developing depression.
In the case of existing depression, chronic pain can make it even worse. As emotional symptoms grow more severe, the body’s chemical response can increase sensitivity to pain, making chronic pain symptoms worse as well.
The same is true in reverse. Those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder may be more likely to experience chronic pain. Along with the above-mentioned chemical/biological processes, seasonal affective disorder can cause fatigue that prevents you from getting adequate physical activity/exercise.
This kind of sedentary lifestyle can reduce muscular and skeletal strength, causing strain on discs, joints, and ligaments. As the strain grows, your body becomes more susceptible to the kinds of inflammation, injuries, and dysfunctions that cause chronic pain.
How to treat seasonal affective disorder
If you suffer from chronic pain and are prone seasonal affective disorder, seeking treatment could help resolve both issues. Twin Cities Pain Clinic offers a wide range of advanced and effective treatments to help relieve chronic pain. Our pain management experts can diagnose the cause of your pain and prescribe a care plan designed to give you optimal relief. As your pain symptoms subside, symptoms of seasonal affective disorder will likely lessen as well.
Make an effort to go outside and get some sun as often as you can during the colder months. Though sunlight is less abundant during this time, it’s still there. Sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D, and research shows a connection between seasonal affective disorder and low Vitamin D levels.
Stay ahead of seasonal depression
Remember, seasonal affective disorder is much more than a case of the “winter blues.” It is s real mental condition with emotional and physical consequences, including chronic pain. As the weather turns colder and the days grow shorter, stay alert for possible signs of SAD. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of SAD and/or chronic pain, don’t wait to talk to a healthcare professional. And if you are already in the throes of SAD, it’s never too late to seek help. Acting now can make a huge difference.
The contents of this article are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before engaging in any action or decision-making based on the content of this article. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of the content of this article or any other content on the Twin Cities Pain Clinic website. Reliance on any information conveyed on the Twin Cities Pain Clinic website without direct consultation with a healthcare professional is solely at your own risk.
Sources
- “NIMH» Seasonal Affective Disorder.” Nih.gov, 22 Mar. 2019, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/seasonal-affective-disorder/index.shtml
- Mayo Clinic. “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651
